MOSINEE: Former US President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval and personal offense over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the US presidential election.
Speaking to supporters at a rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin, Trump took issue with Putin’s remarks, which were made earlier this week. Putin had said that Russia would prefer Harris over Trump, citing her “infectious” laugh as a reason for his preference.
Trump questioned the motives behind Putin’s comments, implying that they were part of a larger strategic maneuver. “He endorsed Kamala. I was very offended by that. I wonder why he endorsed Kamala. No, he’s a chess player,” Trump said. He said that he wondered whether Putin made the remark with a smile.
The timing of Putin’s comments coincides with significant developments in the US political landscape. Just a day before, the US Justice Department had charged two Russian media executives in connection with an alleged scheme to influence the upcoming presidential election through pro-Russian propaganda.
Earlier, former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney, along with his daughter Liz Cheney, have publicly declared their support for Harris over Trump, marking a notable shift among some traditional Republican figures. Harris has acknowledged these endorsements, praising them as “courageous” for prioritizing the country over party affiliation.
Meanwhile, former President George W. Bush, a Republican, has chosen to remain neutral, with a spokesman stating that Bush has retired from presidential politics and will not be endorsing any candidate. His wife, Laura Bush, also plans to stay out of the election endorsement fray.
Mike Pence, who served as Trump’s vice president, has stated that he will not endorse Trump in the current race. Pence has not indicated support for Harris either.
With less than 60 days until the November 5 election, Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are preparing for a tour of crucial battleground states. Harris is scheduled to begin her tour in North Carolina on Thursday and will continue to Pennsylvania on Friday. Walz will visit Michigan and Wisconsin as part of their campaign efforts.
The upcoming debate between Harris and Trump, set to take place on Tuesday, is highly anticipated and expected to be a pivotal moment in the election campaign. This debate will be the first since President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed Harris as his successor on July 21.
Harris’ campaign has experienced a boost in momentum, with recent opinion polls showing a surge in support. The campaign also reported raising $361 million in August.
