Donald Trump will not be attending the Penn State football game against Ohio State as previously reported. The university spokesperson confirmed that the former president was invited by a private citizen to watch the game, but his campaign schedule now shows that he will be in Salem, Virginia for a rally at 4 p.m. on Saturday instead.
This news comes after Trump made an appearance at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center last Saturday, following weeks of campaigning efforts from both Republicans and Democrats in State College. Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate, was at the Sparks Building on October 17, while Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appeared at the State Theatre on October 18. Additionally, a “Team Trump Bus Tour” stopped in State College on October 22, and Democratic governors campaigned for Kamala Harris on October 21.
In addition to Trump’s absence, Republican U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick will be in Happy Valley and is scheduled to host a tailgate event at the Ohio State game. This event will likely draw a lot of attention, especially with the absence of Trump, as political figures continue to make their presence known in the lead-up to the game.
It is interesting to see the intersection of politics and sports in this scenario, with various political figures making appearances in State College during the week leading up to the big game. This highlights the importance of Pennsylvania as a key battleground state in the upcoming elections, with both Republicans and Democrats making efforts to engage with voters in the area.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these interactions between politicians and the community play out in the coming days and weeks. The decision for Trump to skip the Penn State-Ohio State event signifies a shift in his campaign priorities, as he focuses on rallying support in other key locations. This move may have implications for his campaign strategy and the overall political climate in Pennsylvania as the election draws near.