Trump heads to battleground Michigan for first time since Harris shook up presidential race

Donald Trump’s counterprogramming to the Democratic convention continues Tuesday in Michigan, the former president’s first visit there since a seismic shakeup in the race altered the playing field in the Midwest battleground.

Donald Trump’s counterprogramming to the Democratic convention continues Tuesday in Michigan, the former president’s first visit there since a seismic shakeup in the race altered the playing field in the Midwest battleground. A month ago, the Trump campaign projected confidence in the Wolverine State. At Trump’s nominating convention, Chris LaCivita, a top strategist to the former president, told a room full of reporters that Michigan stood out as the so-called Blue Wall state most likely to turn red in November. Days later, Trump landed triumphantly in Grand Rapids for his maiden rally with new running mate JD Vance. In what was also his first campaign event following the attempt on his life, Trump poked fun at the Democratic angst surrounding the top of their ticket. “Who would you most like to run against?” he asked a fully packed auditorium before rattling off rumored contenders to replace President Joe Biden, who was then still seeking reelection. When the former president floated Biden’s name, his supporters cheered loudest. But those hopes were soon dashed. The next day, Biden dropped out, and Trump’s opponent soon became Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Democrats will formally nominate Tuesday at their convention in Chicago. Harris’ entry into the race has shifted the political landscape in Michigan, just as it has across the nation. Polls that showed Trump with an advantage earlier this summer predict a far more competitive race heading into the fall. One recent survey of likely voters from The New York Times/Siena College measured Harris’ support at 50% compared with Trump at 46% in a two-way race.