Trump Attacks Michelle Obama

The gloves are off and Trump is swinging for the fences.

During a campaign event in Virginia following his debate with President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump took aim at Democratic concerns and potential challengers, including former First Lady Michelle Obama. Trump addressed speculation about Biden’s future in the race, dismissing notions that Biden might withdraw after the debate. According to Trump, Biden still performs well in polls despite critiques of his debate performance.

Trump mentioned that polling had been conducted on various potential Democratic contenders, including Michelle Obama, whom he claimed polled poorly compared to Biden and others. Despite Biden’s reported struggles during the debate, which included a raspy voice and delayed responses attributed to a cold, Trump asserted that Biden’s polling numbers remain stronger than his potential challengers’.

The debate fallout triggered concerns within the Democratic Party about Biden’s ability to continue as the nominee, with some progressives advocating for a replacement before November. Names like Michelle Obama, although not interested in running for office as per her office’s statement, have been floated as potential alternatives. Polling data indicated that Obama would trail Trump by about seven percentage points in a hypothetical matchup.

Beyond Michelle Obama, Trump also criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris during his rally. He disparaged Newsom’s governance of California, alleging incompetence and claiming Newsom couldn’t effectively run his state. Despite Biden’s challenges, Newsom reiterated his support for the president and denounced discussions about replacing him as “unhelpful” and “unnecessary.”

Trump also quipped about the prospect of facing Harris in the election, joking that he would be “very happy” if Democrats chose her as their nominee. However, early polling suggested Harris faced an uphill battle against Trump.

Overall, Trump’s post-debate rally underscored ongoing political tensions and speculation within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s candidacy, while also highlighting potential alternative candidates and their perceived strengths and weaknesses in a hypothetical general election matchup against the former president.