Trump ‘baby blimp’ to make Michigan appearance

A copy of the inflatable balloon depicting President Trump as a baby holding a phone will make an appearance Saturday in Grand Rapids, Mich., according to organizers of a national tour featuring the “baby blimp.”

A Facebook event advertising the balloon’s visit to Grand Rapids has hundreds of people saying they plan to attend while advertising a GoFundMe page for the event and asking people to “stay tuned for a more detailed schedule of events.”

{mosads}”It’s meant to be fun, but we’re also making the point that this guy is dangerous and he’s a little unhinged,” the Grand Rapids event’s co-organizer, Cameron Young, told Michigan Live in an interview.

“We want to make the point that this administration is taking us down what we think is the wrong path and is threatening to democracy, to our moral standing in the world,” he added.

Organizers have received permits to fly the balloon in Rosa Park circle, Young said, where they plan to fly it about 40 feet above the ground.

“Our big point is that the upcoming elections are very important and we want people to get out and vote,” Young told Michigan Live. “No matter how they vote, we want them to get out and vote.”

The Facebook page for the event states that the purpose is to “spark conversation, get the community talking at this crucial moment in our democracy, and have a little fun while we’re at it,” while noting that any additional funds donated to the cause would be re-donated to local arts groups.

The balloon became famous after a version was flown in London during Trump’s visit to the U.K. earlier this year. Other copies of the balloon have made appearances at protests in Florida outside the president’s Mar-a-Lago resort, and in Washington state outside a venue where Vice President Pence was speaking.

Michigan is home to suddenly tightening Senate race, where Republicans are hoping that John James (R) can overcome Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D) to help the GOP cement control of the Senate.

Stabenow currently leads her opponent by double digits, according to a RealClearPolitics average of polls, but a poll out Thursday showed James within 7 points of the incumbent.