Trump swaps in-person rallies for telerallies in final push

President Donald Trump canceled scheduled weekend rallies in Iowa and Kansas on Thursday. He will instead conduct telerallies by phone over the next three days. The Republican National Committee announced the change on Thursday evening. The party stated this approach allows Trump to address voters in nearly two dozen states.

The shift changes the format of Trump’s campaign appearances. In-person rallies typically feature the president speaking for more than 90 minutes. Telerallies require him to speak for approximately 10 minutes per state. The RNC plans these events for nearly 20 states, with additional locations potentially added.

Trump denied that health issues prompted the schedule change. He said he is not traveling to Kansas because Republican Senator Roger Marshall is performing well against Democrat Adam Hamilton. "I don't feel I have to go to Kansas," Trump said. He confirmed he will still travel to Florida on Friday.

The president returned to South Carolina on Thursday for his second visit in a month. He campaigned for Republican Senator Darline Graham, who faces Democrat Annie Andrews. Graham was appointed to the seat in July following the death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. She became the party nominee in August for the full six-year term.

Trump praised Graham's political lineage during the event. "I got you into this thing, Darline," he said. He also noted that Lindsey Graham was a great politician and that his sister has the gene. Graham urged voters to support her as the one who delivered on Washington promises.

Andrews, a pediatrician, campaigned in nearby Fort Mill on Wednesday. She argued that voters should try something new. "You can fire me in six years," she said, referring to her potential tenure. Her campaign relies on winning over frustrated Republicans. Brent Chaplin, a registered Republican in finance, voted for Andrews. He said he has to think beyond party labels in this election.

Beyond South Carolina, Trump commented on races in North Carolina, Michigan, Texas, Minnesota, and Alaska. He called the situation in Alaska a conspiracy. He urged the removal of Democrat Mary Peltola from the ballot after reports that her campaign recruited a candidate with the same name as Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan. The Justice Department issued new grand jury subpoenas related to the Alaska race on Thursday.

The Justice Department also subpoenaed California officials to examine claims regarding noncitizens on voter rolls. A federal judge in California appointed a special master to evaluate those claims. In Iowa, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand urged voters to avoid post-election regret. He noted that Iowa Democrats have not held the governor's mansion since 2010.