Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and running mate Sen. JD Vance have opted for intimate events in battleground states this week as they try to counterprogram the Democratic National Convention — with a much bleaker message.
Trump has traded arena-sized audiences for two smaller crowds, while Vance delivered remarks Monday while standing in front of cardboard boxes in Philadelphia. The GOP duo had been slated to focus on the economy and energy on Monday then crime and safety on Tuesday before drifting off script. The intention is to focus on national defense on Wednesday and immigration on Thursday.
“We’re really focused on talking about issues that voters care about, which is something Kamala Harris and her campaign is not interested in,” a senior Trump campaign official said. “We have a very aggressive schedule. … We believe we have the winning message. We believe the Democrats have the losing message.”
