Donald Trump created quite a buzz by arriving nearly three hours late to his rally in Traverse City, Michigan. The Republican nominee’s tardiness stemmed from recording an episode of Joe Rogan’s popular podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
Scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m., the rally faced an unexpected delay. Around an hour after the intended start time, Trump addressed the crowd via a huge screen from his plane, assuring supporters that he was en route. “We’re stepping on the gas,” he said, acknowledging the late arrival.
Trump’s Apology and Highlights from the Rally
Upon finally taking the stage just after 10 p.m., Trump apologized for his lateness. “We got so tied up, but I figured you wouldn’t mind too much because we’re trying to win,” he stated. He described the interview with Rogan as “the longest interview I’ve ever done in my life” and praised the host as a “great guy.”
Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, shared on social media that the former president had just wrapped up a three-hour recording session. “We’re coming now, Michigan!” he posted on X, adding excitement to the situation.
Impact of the Rogan Interview
“The Joe Rogan Experience” is known for its wide reach, boasting over 14.5 million followers on Spotify. Interestingly, Rogan had previously criticized Trump, labeling him “an existential threat to democracy.” However, in the recent episode released after the rally, Rogan hinted that an assassination attempt on Trump had shifted his perspective, stating, “Once they shot you, I was like, ‘He’s got to come in here.’ It’s all about timing.”
Competing Campaign Messages
As Trump rallies support in Michigan, Vice President Kamala Harris is also focusing on voters in the state. She recently appeared on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, targeting a younger audience. Additionally, Harris is set to join Michelle Obama at a campaign rally in Michigan on Saturday, highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming election.
