Pressing ahead in a pandemic, President Donald Trump looked to reverse a decline in his political fortunes Saturday by returning to the format that has so often energized himself and his loyal supporters: A raucous, no-holds-barred rally before tens of thousands of ardent fans, this time in Tulsa, Oklahoma.The rally was shaping up to be one of the biggest indoor events in the U.S. since large gatherings were shut down in March because of the coronavirus,
And it was scheduled over the protests of local health officials and as COVID-19 cases spike in many states. The event was expected to draw crowds of protesters to the area as well.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases has soared to about 2.2 million. The number of deaths reported in the U.S. has surpassed 119,000. Outrage over the criminal justice system’s treatment of minorities following the death of George Floyd ,
And other African Americans has spawned protests around the nation. Only about a quarter of Americans say the country is headed in the right direction.“Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa. My campaign hasn’t started yet. It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma!” Trump tweeted Friday.
Trump’s visit has also raised fears of clashes between protesters and Trump supporters. Officials expect a crowd of 100,000 people or more in downtown Tulsa.Trump will speak inside the BOK Center as well as at an outdoor stage. But his audience also will be voters in battleground states such as Pennsylvania,
Republican strategist Alex Conant said the rally gives the president a chance to reset his campaign after a couple of tough months.“The Tulsa rally is trying to ignite some momentum in a campaign that’s been going nowhere,” Conant said.
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