Donald Trump’s three-hour delay for a rally in Traverse City, Michigan, left thousands of supporters stranded in the chilly October air, sparking visible frustration as many opted to leave rather than wait. The delay, caused by an extended interview with podcast star Joe Rogan in Texas, left fans murmuring “Where’s Trump?” as they filtered out, deflated by a Friday night they had expected would culminate with the former president’s speech.
By the time Trump took the stage, he was almost three hours behind schedule, entering after 10 pm to a dwindled crowd and an air of disappointment. Despite the awkward start, Trump took it in stride, quipping, “I figured when I got here, there’d be like 20 people.” He quickly addressed the delay, saying, “We got so tied up, and we figured you wouldn’t mind too much because we’re trying to win.” Still, Trump’s explanation came too late for many fans who left during the extended delay.
Fans Stream Out, Frustration Mounts Over ‘Waste of a Day’
For fans like Elizabeth Burkhardt, who had come straight from work, the wait proved too much. “That was a waste of a day,” she remarked as she left, citing an early shift the next morning. Other rally-goers like Dee Johnson tried to make the best of it, reassuring her young son Jason that he’d “probably get a better seat” next time. Fans who stayed until Trump’s late arrival were treated to over an hour of remarks, but even his speech didn’t keep the audience riveted, with some leaving during his address.
The campaign tried to keep spirits high by playing a Tucker Carlson video and cycling through slides promoting MAGA merchandise. However, technical difficulties only compounded the wait when the video froze, forcing organizers to switch to a slideshow as a stall tactic. Even when Montana Governor Doug Burgum and former Michigan gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon attempted to hold the crowd’s attention with speeches, the cold 50-degree night and long delay made it hard to maintain enthusiasm.
Lost Momentum in a Key State Amid Tight Polls
For Trump, the Michigan rally was an essential stop in a state he narrowly lost in 2020 after winning it in 2016. Recent polls show the stakes are high in Michigan, with Kamala Harris leading Trump by slim margins. Wednesday’s Quinnipiac poll placed Harris at 49 percent to Trump’s 46 percent, while a Bloomberg poll showed a similar spread.
Traverse City, where the rally took place, is a strategic location for the campaign, nestled in Republican-leaning Grand Traverse County. However, with Harris polling favorably and Traverse City itself leaning Democratic, Trump’s tardiness may have compromised his effort to make inroads in this pivotal region. Many who attended the rally expressed their support for his views, but his absence left some questioning the campaign’s approach.
Cold Wait, But Loyal Support
Not all rally-goers held the delay against Trump. Jeff, a real estate agent from Florida who had flown in at 6 am for the event, shrugged off the setback, saying, “Heck no, I’ve seen him before.” Others like Jamin, a mechanical contractor, brought his daughter to hear Trump speak, sharing his concern about America’s international reputation. Meanwhile, Hellade Gasparetti, an immigrant from Brazil, voiced her agreement with Trump’s stance on immigration, albeit with her own perspective on the complexities of illegal immigration.
At the event’s peak, Rep. Jack Bergman attempted to energize the crowd by turning a chant of “Lock him up”—a recent slip by President Biden referring to Trump—into “Throw her out!” referring to Harris. The chant, though spirited, was overshadowed by the prolonged delay and the diminishing crowd.
Michigan’s Importance and the Path Forward
As Trump looks to reclaim Michigan, a state that helped him to his first presidential victory, Friday’s delay and mixed reception could dampen momentum. With time running out in the campaign and Michigan polls within close margins, each rally carries crucial weight. However, the combination of Rogan’s lengthy interview and logistical missteps raises questions about the campaign’s ability to maximize Trump’s reach in key battlegrounds.
While the Michigan crowd was emblematic of Trump’s base, the night’s hiccups serve as a reminder of the delicate timing needed in the final days of the race. Can Trump rally enough support to turn Michigan red again, or will logistical issues and frustrations with delays create a roadblock to his comeback? With only days left, the former president will have to find a way to keep his momentum and regain Michigan’s pivotal swing.
