Trump, Harris use assassination attempt to highlight policy proposals

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris commented on this past weekend’s apparent assassination attempt during campaign events on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Trump was back on the campaign trail, holding his first event since the incident at his golf club in Florida. During a town hall in Flint, Michigan, Trump told Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders the assassination attempts are proof his policy proposals are powerful. 

“It’s a dangerous business however, being president,” Trump said. “It’s a little bit dangerous. It’s, you know, they think racecar driving is dangerous. No. They think bull-riding, that’s pretty scary, right? No, this is a dangerous business and we have to keep it safe.” 

He later added, “You know, only consequential presidents get shot at.” 

Trump also said both President Joe Biden and, his opponent in the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris called him after the assassination attempt, saying it was “very nice” and he appreciated it. 

Harris was on the campaign trail Tuesday, as well. She touched on the assassination attempt during a National Association of Black Journalists panel in Philadelphia, highlighting the issues of gun violence, racism, and bigotry in America. 

“Not everybody has Secret Service,” Harris said, “and there are far too many people in our country right now who are not feeling safe. I mean, I look at Project 2025 and I look at the ‘don’t say gay laws’ coming out of Florida. Members of the LGBTQ community don’t feel safe right now. Immigrants or people with an immigrant background don’t feel safe right now. Women don’t feel safe right now.” 

Both candidates are focusing on swing areas that could decide the election, which is expected to be a close one. 

Trump is set to campaign in New York, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina this week. Harris will also stop in Washington as well as Michigan and Wisconsin in the coming days.