TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have embarked on dramatically different campaign events recently. Trump, fulfilling his promise to appear in Traverse City, Michigan, even after a three-hour delay, drew an energized crowd despite cold temperatures and a lengthy wait.

Meanwhile, at recent rallies, Harris hasn’t been the one taking the spotlight. Instead, crowd-pullers like former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Bruce Springsteen, and Beyoncé have been featured – followed by brief remarks that Harris delivered following others’ speeches. One such appearance in Texas where she spoke for only about 28 minutes became an online punchline when Beyoncé, rumored to perform, didn’t sing – despite outlets like NBC News promoting it as a concert or, at the very least, a performance.

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Instead, 91-year-old singer Willie Nelson performed at the Harris rally, leading to online snark about a classic bait-and-switch. Disappointed attendees said they had hoped for a 2024 rendition of “Single Ladies,” but got “On the Road Again” instead.

MAGA fans defy the cold in Traverse City.

On the other side of the presidential campaign race, ardent Trump fans braved long lines and chilly weather at a rally at the airport in Traverse City on Friday, October 25th, not to see a celebrity but to hear from their presidential candidate. Many waited over 10 hours, enduring the cold to hear Trump speak. Some feared that Trump’s plane delay from a Joe Rogan interview would lead to a canceled event but Trump reassured the crowd via video from his plane, promising a “special” rally.

Arriving just after 10:00 p.m., Trump kept his commitment to Grand Traverse County in northern lower Michigan, which he won in both 2016 and 2020. Wrapped in blankets and Trump gear, the crowd danced to “YMCA” and “Proud to Be an American” as the rally continued late into the night. Trump’s 83-minute speech hit on issues like inflation, border security, and ending “gender” politics.

The event featured several prominent Michigan figures, including former GOP gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon and Republican Rep. Jack Bergman, who rallied the crowd ahead of Trump’s appearance. While awaiting Trump’s arrival, Dixon engaged North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum in an onstage interview, keeping the crowd engaged and ended their discussion by throwing out Trump hats into the crowd.

The crowd kept the good vibes rolling all evening, soaking up the event’s lively atmosphere. Acts of kindness were seen as the crowd awaited Trump – from sharing burgers and hot dogs to an excited teenager finding a discarded press pass but doing the right thing and returning it to a staff member. Despite the cold, many Trump supporters also enjoyed ice cream from the ice cream truck parked inside the hangar.

Unexpected endorsements from Muslim leaders.

On Saturday, while at a rally in Novi, Michigan, Trump has received endorsements from several Muslim leaders in the state, including Bill Bazzi, the mayor of Dearborn Heights. Imams and community leaders cited Trump’s promises of peace and war de-escalation as key reasons for their support.

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“We, as Muslims, stand with President Trump because he promises peace, not war,” said Imam Belal Alzuhairi, echoing broader sentiments about Trump’s foreign policy stance.

Harris is facing declining support among Arab-American voters in Michigan, a crucial swing state that many say she needs to win to become president. Frustration has grown due to the Biden administration’s response to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, with many Arab-Americans feeling overlooked and dismissed. That frustration has transferred over to Harris because of her vocal support of Israel. Harris’s efforts to rally Arab-American voters in Michigan have been challenged by a lack of outreach addressing these specific concerns, contributing to a potential shift away from the Democratic ticket.

Trump packs NYC.

The following day, Sunday, October 27th, Trump packed Madison Square Garden in New York City, drawing around 20,000 supporters – with plenty more gathered outside. The arena pulsed with excitement, featuring big-name guests like Elon Musk, Tucker Carlson, and a surprise appearance from Melania Trump – but there was no mistaking who the crowd came to see: Trump himself, who took center stage for an 80-minute speech centered on how he will make America great again.

“Trump Will Fix It” signs filled the arena, with the rally closing out with a live rendition of “New York, New York” and Trump dancing to “YMCA” beside his wife.

Harris speaks briefly, Trump rallies on.

While many feel that Trump’s speeches tend to ramble, Harris is sticking to a very truncated script, rarely speaking for more than 30 minutes – often even less. She’s also been leaning heavily on star power to amplify her message, with big name “celebrities” taking the stage on her behalf. Meanwhile, Trump’s robust schedule, from Traverse City to New York City, has been showcasing a different brand of energy and engagement with voters.

As Harris’s celebrity-packed and brief appearances become more noticeable, some are beginning to question whether her supporters are bothered by her tendency to speak for less than 30 minutes – or if their “enthusiasm” is more about the broader campaign than Harris herself.