Trump’s first public appearance since shooting as Biden labels ‘bullseye’ comment a ‘mistake’ | US News
Donald Trump has appeared at the National Republican Convention with a white bandage covering his right ear, receiving huge applause from the crowd.
This marks his first public appearance since being shot by 20-year-old gunman Thomas Crooks on Saturday night.
As he entered the packed room, Trump waved and raised his fist to the chants of “fight, fight, fight” from the audience.
He spent about an hour mingling with his supporters.
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Earlier in the evening, JD Vance was announced as his running mate, a former critic who has now aligned with Trump’s politics and frequently talks about the alleged election fraud in 2020.
Vance, a senator, expressed his change of heart towards Trump, admitting his past criticisms and praising the former president’s policies.
“I said some bad things about Trump 10 years ago, but I think it’s actually important to be able again to admit that you’re wrong,” he told Fox News.
Donald Trump and his vice presidential nominee JD Vance. Pic: Reuters
Phone call between Trump and Biden
President Joe Biden described his phone conversation with Trump as “very cordial” following the attack on Trump’s life on Saturday.
Biden mentioned that Trump sounded well during their conversation and thanked him for reaching out. Trump, in turn, praised Biden’s politeness in the call during an interview with ABC.
President Biden during an interview with NBC
‘Bullseye’ comment clarified by Biden
During the NBC interview, Biden acknowledged that his earlier statement urging supporters to focus on Trump was a mistake, particularly in light of the recent events.
“I meant focus on him, focus on what he’s doing, focus on his policies, focus on the number of lies he told in the debate,” he clarified.
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Following the assassination attempt at a Republican rally, Biden emphasized the need for a “cooling down” of political rhetoric and urged for respectful discourse.
“Accepting election outcomes and focusing on policy matters instead of using inflammatory language is crucial,” he stated.
“It matters whether or not you accept the outcome of elections,” he said.
“It matters whether or not you… talk about how you’re gonna deal with the border instead of talking about people as being vermin. Those things matter. That’s the kind of language that is inflammatory.”
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When asked if he would consider withdrawing from the presidential race, Biden firmly responded, “No”.
He emphasized his ability to address questions without external aids and highlighted his control over his faculties following his debate with Trump.
“I don’t need notes. I don’t need [teleprompters]. I can go out and answer any questions at all. When NATO was in town, I stood there for an hour and answered questions,” the president asserted.
