Former President Donald Trump renewed his call for cognitive tests for presidential and vice presidential candidates, and complained that such a hurdle is not constitutional.
Trump issued the push after vouching for his own cognitive ability, pointing to his recent lengthy sit-down with the Wall Street editorial board. He said his conduct won plaudits from the writers.
The one thing we know is that he’s got no cognitive problem. She may have, Trump said, summing up their conclusion.
I have no cognitive – she may have a cognitive problem. But there’s no cognitive problem, Trump told interviewer Sage Steele, a former ESPN anchor who asked him friendly questions at a town hall in central Pennsylvania organized by the Trum campaign.
And I actually call for a cognitive test for all people wanting to run for president. Not based on age. Some of the greatest leaders in the world - and I’m not 80 and I’m not that close to 80, Trump explained.
In the Biden case, he’s 81 or 82. Then Trump brought up his meeting with News Corp executive chairman Rupert Murdoch.
Trump was interviewed by Sage Steele at a town hall in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he said candidates for president should face cognitive tests
By the way a man who’s very successful is Rupert Murdoch and he’s 93 or 94. He’s sharp and he’s in his 90s said Trump. I’ve done cognitive tests and I’ve aced both of them.
I’ve done cognitive tests and I’ve aced both of them, Trump said, referencing a basic screening he has taken.
Describing his pitch for the tests as a requirement, he said: They say it’s unconstitutional which I say is too bad or ridiculous.
Age was a major issue earlier in the campaing after a series of gaffes by Biden, 81. Trump was the oldest president to serve when he was elected, a record that soon passed to Biden. Trump would be the oldest person to take the oath in January if reelected.
He showed one sign of his longevity when someone interrupted his town hall to mention a Pennsylvania Republican lawmaker.
Stan Musial? Oh I see [Rep.} Dan Meuser. Is Dan here? I thought he said Stan Musial – Stan the Man, remember? Musial, the St. Louis Cardinals great, died in 2013 at 92.
Age was on Trumps mind after he was reminded that Sunday is Kamala Harriss birthday while standing at the drive-thru McDonalds in suburban Philadelphia.
Its Kamalas birthday? Shes 60 years old. I would say Happy Birthday, Kamala. Shes turning 60. I think Ill get her some flowers. Maybe Ill get her some fries. Give her some McDonalds- Ill get her a McDonalds hamburger. Happy Birthday Kamala! Trump said – pronouncing her name correctly.
Trump is drying to drum up votes in Central Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, with another stop planned in Pittsburgh all on Sunday
Trump once again expressed sympathy for former rival President Joe Biden, calling it a coup when he stepped back under pressure from fellow Democrats.
After previously railing against Biden following his debate disaster, Trump was almost sympathetic. We had a debate, and he didnt do great in the debate, but thats understand ... Didnt do well, and his poll numbers went down, but thats okay, because you come back from that stuff.
Trump lavished praise on his interviewers skills as well as her looks.
She’s a brave woman. A great woman. Beautiful too – but I’m not allowed to say that, Trump mused.
He said such a comment can be the end of your political career. But she’s beautiful.
He also heaped praise on prize-winning New York Times photographer Doug Mills when snappers came close to the stage to take pictures.
He called him the only thing good about the New York Times.
The interview came on a whirlwind day in Pennsylvania. Hours earlier, Trump passed through the golden arches and got behind the fryer at a McDonalds in the Philadelphia suburbs – in a move designed to troll Kamala Harris.
Im looking for a job. And Ive always wanted to work at McDonalds but I never did, Trump said as he introduced himself to franchise owner Derek Giacomantonio. Im running against somebody that said she did, but it turned out to be a totally phony story.
So, if you dont mind, I want to work the French fry counter. How much are you paying me? the billionaire ex-president said with a laugh.
Trump then proceeded to don a black and yellow apron and learn the process of making French fries at the Bucks County, Pennsylvania restaurant.
Trump also took a turn at the drive-thru counter – catering to a handful of prearranged customers who were supporters. Trump said the meals were taken care of, which speeded processing.
Im having a lot of fun here, everybody, he declared.
Former President Donald Trump grins as he chats with employees at a suburban Philadelphia McDonalds on Sunday. Trump was taught how to make McDonalds trademark French fries, in a move designed to troll Vice President Kamala Harris
Busy in the kitchen! Trump wore a McDonalds apron as he grabbed to-go orders
Trump waved to crowds through the service window during his shift at the eatery
One stunned McDonalds customer gasped as she was greeted by the 45th president
Asked about his own first summer job and entry-level positions, Trump told DailyMail.com through the drive-thru window: It requires expertise, Im going through the whole french fry stuff. Its a whole process.
I’ll never forget this experience, he said, without divulging anything about his time working for his fathers business.
He dodged most policy questions, including whether he backs an increase in the minimum wage. Asked what hes getting paid, he quipped, Not enough – I want more money.
Ive now worked for 15 minutes more than Kamala, Trump said, revisiting his claim that his rival didnt work at McDonalds as a student as she says she did.
Its a good job, isnt it? Not bad. You have a nice owner? Trump asked inside the restaurant. Be careful, hes right there, the ex-president said with a laugh. Be careful. Eight years, thats the end of that.
Dozens of Trump fans came out in force to watch the former president get greasy
With the boss looking on, the employee said that franchise owner, Giacomantonio, was great.
Asked by a reporter why Harris would lie about working at the restaurant, Trump replied, Because shes "lying Kamala," applying a moniker.
When a reporter through the window if he would accept the election results regardless of the outcome, Trump dodged. Lets not talk about that, he said, saying he would if it was fair.
During his extended turn at the drive-thru window, Trump found himself in customer service mode, answering repeated questions from reporters.
He even fielded a question from DailyMail.com about his latest chat with Benjamin Netanyahu, although he didnt reveal anything about plans a potential IDF attack on Iran.
Bibi called me this morning. And hes obviously got things going well. He likes to hear what I have to say, later clarifying that the call was Saturday.
Standing in his his blue apron with yellow straps, he wouldnt say if Netanyahu would hold off on attacking Iran. It would be very inappropriate. But theyre certainly in a better position, and fortunately they didnt listen to Biden and Harris, he said. They didnt want him to do this, he said.
Trump even had birthday greetings for Harris when prompted.
Its Kamalas birthday? Shes 60 years old. I would say Happy Birthday, Kamala. Shes turning 60. I think Ill get her some flowers. Maybe Ill get her some fries. Give her some McDonalds- Ill get her a McDonalds hamburger. Happy Birthday Kamala! Trump said – pronouncing her name correctly.
The GOP nominee got stuck in with the fry machine
Asked about his own first summer job and entry-level positions, Trump told DailyMail.com through the drive-thru window: It requires expertise, Im going through the whole french fry stuff. Its a whole process
Fries with that? Trump ended up fielding reporters questions from the drive-thru window
Roaring fans lined the street outside the McDonalds
Trump even offered a few bags of fries to members of the press
He called some questions not appropriate to answer during his stint at the restaurant, but ended up speaking about whether hed accept the results and Israel
Trumps supporters got wind of the event and lined the street north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike long before Trump was set to appear. Tractor trailer trucks sounded their horns when they drove by hundreds of supporters who cheered and raised Trump flags.
Giacomantonio posted a sign on his store, announcing the closure and writing that while we are not a political organization, we proudly open our doors to everyone. He said the visit gave the chance to shine a light on the positive impact of small businesses.
The Trump camp carefully shielded McDonalds employees when they were outside the restaurant, and asked a photographer to delete images of them for security purposes.
The Republican nominee is spending the entire day campaigning in Pennsylvania, most likely a must-win state for him or Harris.
Were going to the Pittsburgh game tonight. Pittsburgh Steelers. Should be good, said Trump at McDonalds
The eastern part of the state roots for the Philadelphia Eagles, but there isnt a strong rivalry between the teams.
Asked his favorite menu item, Trump - known for his love of fast food - responded: I like it all ... I like every ounce of it, everything. But I do like the French fries, where Ill be working.
Prior to the ex-presidents arrival, the first customer at the drive-thru was anything but random.
He identified himself to DailyMail.com only by his first name of Jim, and called himself a Trump supporter. He said he didnt believe Harris ever worked at the chain. I dont believe her at all, he said.
Former President Donald Trump chose a McDonalds in Bucks County, a battleground area of Pennsylvania, for his turn at the fryer
Former President Donald Trump makes French fries at a McDonalds in suburban Philadelphia in a move to troll his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump insists Harris made up that she worked at a McDonalds as a student in California
Workers smiled as they posed with Trump at the McDonalds restaurant
As for his own order for a packed SUV, I think were going to surprise with some chicken nuggets, he said.
A massive security presence guarded the fast-food stop. Secret Service agents and local law enforcement secured the exurban corridor, with snipers on a nearby roof.
The throngs of MAGA fans booed loudly when cars brandishing Harris-Walz flags occasionally drove buy. Fans let out chants of Trump! Trump! Trump! in anticipation, even with little hope of catching a close-up glimpse of their favorite candidate.
The Trump campaign took extraordinary measures to control the event, letting in just a small pool of reporters with no representative from print or online media for the photo-op. It was a sign of the high stakes of the symbolism the campaign is deploying in an effor to peel away Blue Wall states by prying away working class voters from the suburbs and exurbs.
Trump had been teasing the visit for weeks as a way to turn up the heat on his rival, as he did again at a rally in Latrobe near Pittsburgh Saturday night, when he once again accused his rival of faking her own claim to have worked there as a student.
Trump claimed she lied about working at McDonalds, then added: Thats like not a big thing, but can I be honest with you, its terrible, he said at an event where he spoke about the size of golf legend Arnold Palmers manhood.
Im going to McDonalds to work the french fry, Trump said. I think Im doing it tomorrow, and I think its in a place in Pennsylvania, and Im going to stand over that french fry.
Trumps team has also been raising doubts about Harriss resume.
Trump senior advisor Jason Miller said Trump was doing the visit so that one candidate in this race can actually have worked at McDonalds.
Trump supporters waited for hours for his McDonalds visit
Armed agents lined a nearby roof
The owner posted a sign saying he welcomed all customers
Since Kamala Harris has not, President Trump by the end of tomorrow will have worked at McDonalds. Hell have done fries more than Kamala Harris ever has, he said. I think it shows he connects with hard-working Americans.
Harris has said did fries and worked the cash register at a California McDonalds while she was a student at Howard University. Her campaign has said she worked at an Alameda franchise in 1983.
Harris also referenced her time working there in her 2019 presidential campaign. Her camp hasnt furnished any photos of her youthful job there, although Trump has not provided any evidence that she lied about it.
Trumps own jobs early in life were working for his fathers real estate company at construction sites and offices, which he did along with brothers Fred Jr. and Robert, according to the Miller Center at the University of Virginia.
It is just the latest effort by Trump to undermine Harris. In Atlanta last month and again during a podcast interview days ago, Trump raised questions about her racial identity (Harriss father is from Jamaica and her mother was of Indian descent).
Kamala Harris said she worked the fries while using a job at McDonalds to support her studies
Then-President Donald Trump speaks behind a table full of McDonalds hamburgers, Chick fil-a sandwiches and other fast food as he welcomes the 2018 Football Division I FCS champs North Dakota State Bison in the Diplomatic Room of the White House on March 4, 2019 in Washington, DC COVID protocols impacted kitchens at the time
Donald Trump eating McDonalds on his plane. It appears he ordered a Big Mac, a large french fries and a Diet Coke
Trump has good reason to be hitting Bucks county, located north of the city of Philadelphia.
It is a populous purple county whose votes are up for grabs.
Hillary Clinton narrowly edged Trump there in 2016, beating him 48.4 to 47.6 percent.
Joe Biden widened the margin in 2020, garnering 52 percent of the vote.
Trump carried the state with its 19 electoral votes in 2016, but Biden snatched it from him in 2020, winning by just 1 percent of the vote.
Harris highlighted her time at mickey Ds during the Democratic convention.
She spoke about it again last week as Trump was accusing her of faking it.
Part of the reason I even talk about having worked at McDonalds is because there are people who work at McDonalds in our country who are trying to raise a family and pay rent on that, she told MSNBC.
And I think part of the difference between me and my opponent includes our perspective on the needs of the American people, and what our responsibility then is to meet those needs.
But it was not a small job, like, I did the fries. I mean, you know, I did, she said.
Trump has been building up the appearance since a rally in Reno October 10.
Do you know what I am doing next week? I am going to a McDonalds to work! he told the crowd.
He mentioned it again in Arizona, saying he would work the fryer so I can see how hard her job that never turned out would be.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro spoke to the closeness of the race on NBCs Meet the Press Sunday.
Well, I think if past is prologue, were set for another close race here in Pennsylvania. Let me explain: 2016, the race was decided by 44,000 votes. Donald Trump won here in Pennsylvania. In 2020, the race was settled by 80,000 votes. Joe Biden won. In both instances, it came down to a point or less. So the fact that you have polls showing that its, you know, a jump ball, a statistical dead heat, maybe Kamala Harris is up a point or so – that is not a shock, he said.