Trump’s Town Hall: A Musical Interlude or a Cry for Help?
In a twist worthy of a sitcom, Kamala Harris expressed concern for Donald Trump’s mental health after he cut short a campaign meeting in a room that could only be described as poorly ventilated. Did he listen to one too many karaoke numbers, or was it just another day at the office for the former president?
Published at 10:24 a.m. Updated at 11:55 a.m.
Sébastien BLANC from Agence France-Presse reports on the latest low-key drama straight from the political stage.
The Peculiar Performance
Trump’s campaign team couldn’t help but describe the scene: “Trump seems lost, confused and as if frozen on stage.” It’s like watching a deer caught in headlights, except this deer has a reality TV background and a penchant for over-the-top self-promotion. Who knew that campaigning would double as a music festival?
At 78 years old, Trump would be the oldest president in American history if he wins on November 5. I mean, he’s practically one bingo night away from a nursing home, yet here he is claiming to have “exceptional” results on cognitive exams. Newsflash, Donald: Just because you passed a test doesn’t mean we’re all convinced you haven’t mixed your vitamins with your reality TV scripts!
Forget the Questions, Let’s Dance!
During what was meant to be a serious “town hall” meeting in Oaks, Pennsylvania, the room’s atmosphere shifted from a political discussion to an impromptu concert featuring none other than Luciano Pavarotti singing “Ave Maria.” Because what else screams “leadership” than a dramatic aria amidst political chaos? Trump even quipped, “What if we had a music festival?” – somehow forgetting that he was not auditioning for “America’s Got Talent.”
The irony among his supporters must have been palpable. They showed up for political discourse but were met with the sight of their septuagenarian candidate rocking out with a microphone as if he was auditioning for a Las Vegas residency. I half expected to see Elvis waltzing in for a duet!
Accusations Fly!
Defending his unexpected turn to music, Trump took to Truth Social – because nothing says “I’m doing great” like a Twitter clone – stating the night ended up being a “great evening.” Meanwhile, the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris couldn’t resist poking fun at his mental state, repeatedly insisting that he was “unstable.” Hey, isn’t that the pot calling the kettle? Or is that just another candidate’s slogan waiting to happen?
Other musical artists are reportedly not amused with their tunes being played at political rallies. Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young are on the list of those requesting that their tracks be unwittingly removed from Trump’s playlist. This is just a musical “don’t call us, we’ll call you” situation– but let’s be honest, I’m still waiting for Trump to blast the entire discography of the Village People while claiming it’s a strategy to appeal to millennial voters.
The Bottom Line
As speculation swirls about Trump’s mental fitness, it seems his campaign strategy may hinge on the element of surprise—drawing the audience in with inexplicable musical choices rather than coherent policy discussions. If he can keep them entertained while avoiding direct questions, isn’t that akin to a magician performing sleight of hand? Just replace “abracadabra” with “immigration policy” and voilà—distraction achieved!
So what’s next, Donald? A rendition of “YMCA” as your closing campaign appeal? Because if dancing through the electoral process was a method to avoid talking about issues, then we’re officially in uncharted waters—or should I say, unfiltered songs from a playlist that nobody asked for!
Let the music play on, folks. Who needs policy when you’ve got Pavarotti? 🎶
(Washington) “I hope he’s okay”: Kamala Harris once again questioned Donald Trump’s mental health on Tuesday, after her rival had cut short a campaign meeting the previous evening, remaining on stage for a long time at listen to your favorite songs.
Published at 10:24 a.m. Updated at 11:55 a.m.
Sébastien BLANC Agence France-Presse
“Trump seems lost, confused and as if frozen on stage,” commented the campaign team of the Democratic presidential candidate, broadcasting a video of the incident.
Donald Trump, who would be the oldest American president to take the oath of office if he wins on November 5, responded to questions with a nightly message on his social network, claiming to have obtained “exceptional” results on two separate cognitive exams.
“I am in much better health than Clinton, Bush, Obama, Biden and, above all, Kamala,” assured the 78-year-old former Republican president, three weeks before the election.
The strange scene took place during a “town hall” – a public question-and-answer session with voters – organized by the candidate in Oaks, Pennsylvania. The event, in an apparently poorly air-conditioned room, was interrupted when two spectators successively became unwell, requiring the intervention of first aiders.
“Does anyone else want to pass out?” Raise your hand please,” Donald Trump quipped. Then, after the campaign meeting had only started half an hour before, the septuagenarian suggested: “What if we had a music festival?” […] Let’s stop the questions, let’s listen to some music.”
“Unstable”
The Republican asked for his favorite “playlist” to be broadcast, starting with the tenor Luciano Pavarotti singing the “Ave Maria”.
Donald Trump is often described as very attached to his favorite playlists, which he likes to play on his private plane or at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. But, here, the astonishment came from the fact that the candidate did not resume his question-and-answer session.
“Who wants to hear questions?” “, he decided. Election night therefore took an unusual turn for more than thirty minutes with music, the former president rocking upright, his microphone in hand – a scene mocked by the Democrats.
“It was different than usual, but it ended up being a GREAT EVENING!” “, defended Donald Trump on his Truth Social network on Tuesday, accusing Kamala Harris of having “poor medical results”.
The Democratic candidate, who will celebrate her sixtieth birthday on Sunday, has several times accused her opponent in the race for the White House of being “unstable” mentally.
« Hallelujah » et « YMCA »
His team presents the stories, sometimes very confusing, of Donald Trump during his campaign meetings as so many illustrations of a possible cognitive decline of the Republican.
The candidate brushes aside these criticisms out of hand. “I will keep you informed when I lose control, I really think I will be able to tell you,” he told his supporters.
Donald Trump, however, ruled out running again in 2028 in the event of defeat on November 5, indicating that this campaign would indeed be his last.
During the billionaire’s campaign event on Monday, the public was able to listen to I part with you d’Andrea Bocelli et Sarah Brightman, Hallelujah performed by Rufus Wainwright, Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinéad O’Connor, An American Trilogy d’Elvis Presley, Rich Men North of Richmond d’Oliver Anthony, November Rain by Guns N’Roses and, of course, the essential disco hit of Donald Trump meetings: YMCA des Village People.
Other musical celebrities like ABBA, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Celine Dion and the Rolling Stones have asked the Republican candidate to stop playing their songs during the campaign.