US presidential election: tested negative, Trump holds first meeting in Florida
Audio 01:22
The US president throws masks at his supporters when he arrives at his first campaign rally since his Covid-19 infection on October 12 in Sanford, Florida.
SAUL LOEB / AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
5 mins
After having to interrupt his campaign due to infection with Covid-19, the American president has returned to these popular gatherings that he loves.
For his first trip since his hospitalization, direction Florida, a key state where the polls show him losing ground.
According to the White House doctor, Donald Trump has tested negative for coronavirus more times in a row, without further details.
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With our special correspondent in Sanford (Florida),
Anne Corpet
"It's
good to be back,
" begins
Donald Trump
.
Without a mask, the president gives a one-hour speech.
He is at ease, his voice rumbles, thunders.
He unfolds his usual criticisms against Joe Biden, "
Joe asleep
" as he calls him, has fun with his audience, glorifies his record and congratulates himself on having regained a form, an energy, which he swears more beautiful than never.
“
I feel so powerful,”
says the president.
I could walk among you, kiss the guys, and the beautiful girls among you, I would give you good big kisses.
"
In a one-hour speech, Donald Trump shouts Joe Biden's cautious approach to the pandemic, glorifies his record even if it means exaggerating it, especially when he assures, against all evidence, that more than fifteen kilometers walls were built every day at the border and financed by Mexico.
Packed and mostly maskless
“
We Love You!
The crowd shouts.
They are several thousand, packed against each other, most without a mask, happy to find the president.
Lisa Tharf, red hat and t-shirt in her candidate's colors, waves an American flag.
"
He's doing very well!"
she rejoices.
This shows how strong he is, and that we can cure Covid.
We must not be afraid and stay at home.
There are thousands of people here, and I can tell you that there are a lot more than four years ago.
The people who support Biden don't have that enthusiasm, that patriotism, and that love for our country.
"
►
To listen: USA: the religious right, loyal base of Donald Trump
"
No one can stop Trump
"
At the exit, Mike Sofka is certain of victory next November: “
The Coronavirus cannot stop Trump.
Democrats cannot stop Trump.
No one will stop this country and Trump.
Trump is not going to lose.
"
"
In 22 days, we will win this state," said
another participant.
We will gain four more years in the White House.
We are going to make our country more beautiful than it has ever been.
"
The polls are getting worse and worse for Donald Trump.
To win, he must broaden his electoral base.
But the president keeps saying it: in 2016, no one predicted his victory.
And he announces unpublished scores for next November.
►
See also: United States: in the "rust belt", Trump and the gas boom
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United States
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USA Elections 2020
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