During a rally in Tucson, Arizona, former President Donald Trump defended the frustration he displayed during Tuesday's debate against Kamala Harris.

Addressing his supporters, Trump emphasized that his sharp tone stemmed from what he felt was clear bias from the ABC News moderators as well as his disagreement with Harris’s policies, including her stance on immigration, as the Daily Mail reports.

Trump defended his stance, blaming Harris for allowing millions of illegal immigrants into the U.S. and highlighting his irritation with a range of issues and policies pursued by the Biden-Harris administration.

Trump Attacks Immigration and Rising Costs

Trump used the Tucson rally to address various issues, including the high cost of living and what he described as the victimization of young American girls by criminal aliens. He promised to eliminate the tax on overtime pay, framing it as a key part of his platform to support middle-class families. Trump's rally was aimed at capitalizing on economic discontent in Arizona, a key battleground state in the upcoming election.

In his speech, Trump also referenced an unverified rumor about immigrants stealing pets from residents. He claimed that migrants were “walking off with the town's geese” and suggested that his own dog had been taken by criminal immigrants, underscoring his broader argument about a loss of control over the country’s borders.

Trump Criticizes Debate Moderators and Media Bias

In addition to attacking Harris’s policies, Trump directed sharp criticism at the moderators of the debate, David Muir and Linsey Davis. He accused them of being biased in favor of Harris, stating that they only corrected him and not Harris on several critical points, including discussions on Project 25 and the auto industry.

Trump emphasized that he had no need for another debate with Harris, referring to his performance as a “monumental victory,” despite some polls suggesting otherwise. A snap poll from the Daily Mail declared Harris the winner of the debate, with viewers describing her as “hopeful” while labeling Trump’s performance as “annoying.”

Harris Campaigns in North Carolina Following Debate

Meanwhile, Harris shifted her focus to North Carolina, holding rallies in key cities such as Charlotte and Greensboro. Her team began working on turning clips from the debate into television ads, aiming to solidify her message in the battleground state. Harris’s campaign has increasingly focused on emphasizing her policy details, which some voters in recent polls felt were lacking during the debate.

Despite Harris’s perceived debate victory, Trump’s campaign sought to double down on her lack of concrete policy proposals. Trump’s senior staff expanded in response to Harris’s entry into the race, hoping to exploit what they viewed as weaknesses in her platform.

Arizona’s Crucial Role in the Election

Arizona remains a critical state in the 2024 election, with Trump’s Tucson rally designed to rally support in the region. Recent election models have indicated that the state is leaning toward Trump, giving his campaign a key opportunity to strengthen its position in the Southwest. Trump's message at the rally focused heavily on populist themes, from immigration to economic challenges, which he hopes will resonate with Arizona voters.

Harris, on the other hand, continues her efforts to sway voters in other battleground states, as her campaign strategizes how to counter Trump’s populist appeal. Polls suggest that while Trump’s policy proposals are familiar to voters, many are still seeking more specific details from Harris.

Linda Ronstadt's Disapproval of Trump’s Visit

Linda Ronstadt, whose name is attached to the music hall where Trump spoke, voiced her strong disapproval of the former president’s presence in her hometown. Ronstadt has been a vocal critic of Trump, accusing him of spreading hatred and division. She noted that his politics go against the inclusive and tolerant spirit of Tucson, a city with a rich Mexican American heritage.

Ronstadt condemned Trump’s rhetoric, particularly his views on immigrants and his treatment of women and minorities. Despite this, the rally went forward as planned, with Trump continuing to emphasize his vision for a more controlled immigration policy and stricter border security.

Trump Campaign Faces Challenges Despite Momentum

Trump’s campaign has faced its own set of challenges since Harris entered the race in July, forcing the former president to recalibrate his strategy. While Trump’s populist platform remains strong, the campaign’s internal adjustments suggest that Harris’s presence has created a new dynamic in the race.

At the Tucson rally, Trump’s team hoped to capitalize on what they saw as Harris’s weak performance, with Trump positioning himself as the more experienced and decisive leader. However, the J.L. Partners poll found that while Trump’s policy points were familiar to voters, 50% of viewers said they needed more information on Harris’s plans.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s post-debate rally in Tucson provided a glimpse into his strategy for the remainder of the election campaign.

At the event, Trump defended his combative stance during the debate and attacked Harris’s policies on immigration.

He also took aim at the debate moderators, accusing them of bias. Meanwhile, Harris continued her campaign efforts in North Carolina, focusing on battleground states.

Arizona’s crucial role in the election remains pivotal for both campaigns, as Trump and Harris seek to strengthen their positions ahead of the final vote.