Trump Team Looks to Revamp Rallies After Being Rattled by Tulsa Event
President Donald Trump’s campaign is considering a new approach to his signature rallies to ease fears about the coronavirus and has not ruled out staff changes after his disappointing return to the trail in Oklahoma…
President Donald Trump’s campaign is considering a new approach to his signature rallies to ease fears about the coronavirus and has not ruled out staff changes after his disappointing return to the trail in Oklahoma, advisers say.
Other strategic shifts, including reinvigorating attacks on Democratic candidate Joe Biden, also are on the table as Trump trails his opponent in national polls ahead of the Nov. 3 election amid dissatisfaction over his response to the pandemic and U.S. civil rights protests.
The campaign had predicted Trump’s rally in Tulsa on Saturday would draw a record turnout. Instead, the 19,000-seat arena had thousands of empty seats, prompting the president to remark later: “How could this happen?” according to a Trump adviser.
The poor turnout has prompted discussion of whether some changes might be needed in the top tier of the campaign organization, two outside advisers said. They cautioned that it was unclear whether action would be taken.
Another adviser with knowledge of the campaign’s strategy said campaign manager Brad Parscale had appeared to be on thin ice in recent weeks and could take the blame after the underwhelming event.
“Donald Trump knows how much that rally cost, and there was no return on the investment. Someone is going to pay for this,” that adviser said.
Other advisers said, however, that Parscale’s job appeared to be safe and played down speculation of a shake-up.
Trump campaign spokeswoman Erin Perrine said: “Brad has built an excellent team and is doing a great job. He has a strong, 10-year relationship with the president and the entire Trump family.”