A pair of medical emergencies delayed a Pennsylvania town hall with former President Donald Trump this month and kicked off a round of conspiracies about the Republican nominee’s age.
“Trump Bobs His Head to Music for 30 Minutes in Odd Town Hall Detour,” The New York Times headlined its coverage.
“After multiple interruptions, Donald Trump cut off questions and seemed to decide that it would be more enjoyable for all concerned — and, it appeared, for himself — if he fired up his campaign playlist,” the Times reported.
The delay provoked headlines across mass media uncritically depicting Trump as a senior who is suffering the same cognitive decline that ultimately forced President Joe Biden out of his race for reelection this summer.
“Trump’s Bizarre Turn At Town Hall Has Critics Asking New Questions About His Health,” The Huffington Post titled its coverage.
“Trump sways and bops to music for 39 minutes in bizarre town hall episode,” The Washington Post stated.
“Is Trump okay?” asked The Week. “Former president’s mental health is firmly back in the spotlight after ‘bizarre’ town hall event.”
“This should freak everybody out,” said Whoopi Goldberg on “The View.” “This freaked me out. He’s freaked me out a lot, but this really upset me.”
Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign seized on the moment to characterize the 78-year-old ex-commander-in-chief as cognitively deteriorating in the final moments of his third presidential run.
“Trump appears lost, confused, and frozen on stage as multiple songs play for 30+ minutes,”
