Trump calls for end to deaths in controversial Ukraine comments
Donald Trump once again spoke about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. At a rally in Pennsylvania, he declared that his intention was not to take sides but to stop the bloodshed.
Trump's controversial words
On Monday, Trump participated in a meeting with his supporters in Oaks, a suburb of Philadelphia, where he answered questions from his followers, mainly focusing on the economy and immigration. During one of his responses, he digressed into the topic of the war in Ukraine.
Trump reflected on his strong rapport with Putin, stating he understood the situation. He mentioned how Ukraine was a source of pride for Putin and recalled telling him not to invade, which he claimed prevented any action. According to Trump, the current conflict results from Biden's leadership, as Putin couldn't take him seriously.
In a CNN interview, he emphasized that his concern wasn't about choosing sides but rather about ending the loss of life, stating his primary goal is to stop the ongoing deaths.
Rally issues
Trump's rally, which took place in an unairconditioned warehouse in Oaks, was twice interrupted due to attendees fainting. After the second incident, Trump ordered the song 'Ave Maria' to be sung and refrained from further questions, focusing on playing music by artists like Luciano Pavarotti, James Brown, and Guns 'n' Roses.
This was Trump's second rally with logistical issues. At a previous rally in California, after an appearance at Coachella, thousands of his fans couldn't return to their parked cars.
Kamala Harris in Erie
At the same time, on the opposite end of Pennsylvania, in Erie, Kamala Harris held her rally. She focused on her program, abortion rights, and the threats she believes Donald Trump poses. Presenting excerpts of Trump's statements, Harris said: -He considers anyone who doesn't support him or will not bend to his will an enemy of our country. He is saying he would use the military to go after them.
- And we know who he would target because he has attacked them before: journalists whose stories he doesn't like, election officials who refuse to cheat by filling extra votes and finding 'extra votes' for him, judges who insist on following the law instead of bending to his will. This is among the reasons I believe so strongly that a second Trump term would be a huge risk for America and dangerous – she added.
Harris accused Trump of increasing instability and striving for unlimited power. Meanwhile, Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, described Trump as "a fascist to the core." Similarly, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, quoted in a new book by journalist Bob Woodward, assessed him.
With 19 Electoral College votes, Pennsylvania is considered a key state in the current elections. Voters in most counties can already cast ballots by mail or in person. Of the over 400,000 votes cast, 69% are from Democrats. In 2020, the percentage of Democrats voting by mail was 64.8%.
