Trump Michigan rally/ Joe Rogan interview/ rally delay/ masculinity theme/ Kamala Harris rally/ 2024 election/ Newslooks/ TRAVERSE CITY/ MICHIGAN/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At an outdoor rally in Michigan, Donald Trump left supporters waiting for hours in the cold as he recorded a podcast with Joe Rogan. While rally attendees bundled up, Trump’s conversation with Rogan underscored his campaign’s focus on appealing to young male voters, sparking mixed reactions from his Michigan audience.
Trump’s Michigan Rally Delay for Joe Rogan Interview Quick Look
- Hours-Long Delay: Trump kept Michigan supporters waiting over three hours, taping the popular Rogan podcast first.
- Mixed Reactions: Many rally attendees left due to the cold, while those who stayed bundled up and waited.
- Rogan Interview Themes: Topics included UFOs, tax policies, and controversial statements on Taiwan and Xi Jinping.
- Masculinity Appeal: Trump’s podcast appearances focus on drawing young male voters with blunt, masculine rhetoric.
- Campaign Rivalry: Trump mocked Kamala Harris’s Texas rally with Beyoncé, contrasting with his hardline immigration messaging.
Michigan Rallygoers Endure Cold 3 Hours for Trump Podcast with Rogan
Deep Look
In Traverse City, Michigan, Donald Trump kept supporters waiting for hours at an outdoor rally as he recorded an interview with podcast host Joe Rogan. By the time Trump arrived late Friday night, a significant portion of the rally crowd had already left, braving the chill in vain. Yet, for those who stayed, Trump’s appearance—albeit delayed—brought cheers as he touched down in Michigan to address his audience on the airport tarmac.
Lengthy Delay and Mixed Crowd Reactions
As the crowd huddled in the chilly, 50-degree night, the delay drew frustration from some rally-goers who ultimately left before Trump’s arrival. John and Cheryl Sowash, Traverse City locals, noted that while they stuck around, many others were disappointed. “Things happen,” said John, rationalizing the delay, adding that Trump reached a broader audience by appearing on Rogan’s show. But Cheryl expressed regret on Trump’s behalf, saying, “He missed it,” noting that the crowd was originally much larger.
Before Trump’s arrival, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and former Michigan gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon entertained the audience, giving out hats and attempting to keep spirits high. The delay announcement came via social media shortly before Trump’s Michigan rally was due to start, with a post indicating that he was still in Texas, more than two hours away by air. Aboard his flight, Trump recorded a video message apologizing for the delay and urging supporters to “have a good time tonight.”
Rogan Interview Highlights: Masculinity, UFOs, and Taxes
The delay was attributed to Trump’s three-hour interview with Joe Rogan, a high-profile podcast host known for his influence among young male listeners. With a conversation spanning topics like UFOs, federal taxes, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump used the interview to reaffirm his “masculine” campaign style, engaging Rogan with a mix of familiar campaign stories and off-the-cuff remarks.
Trump emphasized his commitment to Kennedy, who has endorsed him, for a role in his administration, though he expressed concerns over their disagreements on environmental policy. On Rogan’s question of a federal income tax cut, Trump responded with enthusiasm, saying, “Yeah, sure why not?” His comments touched on topics of populist appeal, including his frustration with federal subsidies for semiconductor manufacturers and critical statements toward Taiwan, claiming that the country “stole our chip business.” He also spoke about extraterrestrials, saying he was “never a believer” in UFO theories but acknowledging he was briefed on such topics as president.
Campaign Rivalry and Contrasting Events in Texas
Trump’s choice to focus on Rogan’s Texas interview over his scheduled Michigan rally came just as Kamala Harris held a Texas event with Beyoncé to draw attention to abortion rights and critique Trump’s influence on the Supreme Court. The contrasting events highlighted the Democratic and Republican campaigns’ differing approaches: Harris’s rally was focused on reproductive rights, while Trump’s message was largely shaped around traditional masculinity and hardline immigration stances.
Trump seized the opportunity to mock Harris’s appearance, remarking to his Michigan supporters that “Kamala is at a dance party with Beyoncé.” The former president then took aim at immigration, using dark rhetoric as he accused foreign governments of sending “undesirable” individuals to the United States. “We’re like a garbage can for the rest of the world to dump the people that they don’t want,” he said, invoking his ongoing stance against illegal immigration.
Challenging Harris on Abortion Rights and Reproductive Policy
In response, Harris told reporters that Trump’s approach “belittles our country,” urging that a president should focus on unity and constructive discourse. Harris’s Texas event aimed to galvanize support for reproductive rights in a state where abortion has been banned since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Three of the Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn the ruling were nominated by Trump, amplifying his appeal to conservative voters but fueling criticism from those who oppose restrictions on abortion access.
A Hypermasculine Campaign Tone
Trump’s focus on masculinity, which has become a central theme of his 2024 campaign, has included appearances on shows targeting young, predominantly male audiences. These appearances often involve blunt and sometimes controversial language, with Trump making an effort to project a strong, assertive persona. His commitment to “protecting women,” though previously advised against by campaign aides, has also resurfaced in his speeches. At the Michigan rally, Trump referenced this advice, claiming he intended to defy it: “‘Sir, please don’t say you’re going to protect women,’” he said, mocking the suggestion before insisting, “I mean, that’s our job.”
Throughout his campaign, Trump has been capitalizing on this approach to build rapport with a demographic that aligns with his strongman image and direct speaking style. His Michigan rally was marked by two interruptions for medical assistance in the crowd. During the first interruption, he asked for the song Ave Maria to be played as a gesture of calm before continuing with his remarks, a scene reminiscent of similar interruptions during recent rallies.
Despite the rally’s delay and dwindling attendance, Trump remains committed to his audience and strategy, appealing to a sense of nationalism and asserting America’s strength on both domestic and international fronts. He has made it clear that such appeals are likely to remain central to his messaging as he pursues another term in office.
