Trump holds town hall in competitive La Crosse County
LA CROSSE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Former President Donald Trump held a 35-minute town hall in a key swing district in Wisconsin, marking his first return to the state since accepting his nomination during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Thousands packed the La Crosse Center to hear from the former president on range of issues including his new stance on protecting in-vitro fertilization, an issue that has become a political flashpoint in the presidential race.
Trump reiterated comments made earlier in the day while visiting Michigan that he wants either the government or insurance companies to pay for the expensive service used by women across America.
"You know what we want to produce babies in this country, right?" Trump told the crowd. "So, I think it's going to be something."
His comments come as Democrats have been highly critical of GOP-restrictions on abortion and their views on IVF.
The town hall was a step back from his traditional rallies by allowing four voters to ask questions on the economy, immigration and crime. Four voters we're selected to ask questions after the Trump campaign said the event was cut short due to incoming storms.
Trump, at times, went off script to when responding to questions to attack his opponent Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz. The former president called Walz "weird," the Minnesota's governors viral saying he famously used before Harris picked him to share the ticket.
"I'm not weird, he's weird," Trump said."
"You know they are going to destroy you with inflation, they'll destroy your social security, but (with me) that's not going to happen," he said. "This is going to be the most important election in the history of our country."
The event was moderated by Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman and presidential candidate, who's taken a prominent role with the Trump campaign.
It comes as both Trump and Harris campaigns have touted support from across the aisle. Last week, a series of Republicans spoke at the Democratic National Convention and Gabbard endorsed Trump on Monday.
Competitive Swing District
La Crosse, which is part of Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, is a highly competitive region for both parties this election. GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden currently holds the seat and will face off against Democratic candidate Rebecca Cooke this fall.
For years the district was a Republican stronghold, then in 2020 it flipped blue with a majority of voters going for Joe Biden.
"This county is up for grabs, and I think we can grab it," said Jackie O'Brien, chair of the La Crosse County GOP. "I think we have a good ground game and we’re working really hard. I think people are excited. They want change."
Robert Ekker, a voter who lives in La Crosse County, said he believes Republicans challenge in the region is Democratic turnout on college campuses, primarily the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
"Don't stay home," Ekker advice to Republicans. "In a battleground state, you don't stay home."
The visit by Trump comes just a day after his running mate JD Vance was in De Pere Wednesday, his fourth trip to Wisconsin since becoming the Republican vice-presidential nominee.
Next week, Democrats will barnstorm the state with Tim Walz holding an event in Milwaukee on Labor Day and President Biden visiting southwestern Wisconsin Thursday.