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THE RETURN OF MAGA RALLIES. The massive protests in Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington DC have had one unintended consequence. They sent a message to Trump re-election officials that the coast is clear to restart the big campaign rallies the president sees as critical to victory in November.
Trump’s last rally was February 28 in North Charleston. (Joe Biden’s was more than a week later, on March 9 in Detroit.) After that, coronavirus precautions set in, and mass gatherings like political rallies were forbidden in cities and states across the country. The lockdown was under way.
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But now, we’ve seen huge Black Lives Matter demonstrations stemming from the death of George Floyd. Protesters filled the streets in old, pre-coronavirus style. Even though many wore masks, social distancing was weak to non-existent. And the fact is, there were a lot of people gathered together for big, in-person events for the first time in months. And some of the same voices who scolded the Americans who a few weeks earlier had demonstrated for an end to lockdowns suddenly approved of the latest protests.
A lot of Republicans and conservatives pointed out the hypocrisy. But Trump got another message: If they approved of mass gatherings for a cause they support, how can they condemn mass gatherings for a political campaign? Of course, they’ll find a way. But they’ll look hypocritical again.
“Americans are ready to get back to action and so is President Trump,” campaign manager Brad Parscale said in a statement Monday. “The Great American Comeback is real and the rallies will be tremendous. You’ll again see the kind of crowds and enthusiasm that Sleepy Joe Biden can only dream of.”
Trump has not yet announced when the first event will be. Wherever it is, press coverage will be sure to suddenly remember the risks of mass gatherings. “President Trump will hit the campaign trail this month,” NPR reported, “despite the deadly coronavirus pandemic, which continues to wreak havoc on the lives and livelihoods of households across the country.”
Trump will be particularly eager to get on the road in light of recent polls. The RealClearPolitics average of polls shows Biden with an eight-point lead over the president — up from a 4.4-point lead in May. Yes, Biden has plenty of weaknesses — his support appears soft and less dedicated than Trump’s — but eight points is a lot. For Trump, the return to the campaign trail represents a way to make up the ground lost in three horrendous months. He’s ready to get back.
