**Trump Declares GOP as 'The Party of Common Sense' in Heated Interview**

In a spirited interview with Bloomberg News in Chicago, former President Donald Trump labeled the Republican Party as "the party of common sense." The notable exchange took place at the Economic Club of Chicago, where Trump sat down with Bloomberg News' editor-in-chief John Micklethwait. Over the nearly hour-long session, they delved into Trump’s economic strategies and his vision for a potential second term.

Speaking about the upcoming presidential election, Trump designated Pennsylvania and Michigan as critical battleground states, asserting his strong leads in both, alongside Arizona. "We're way up in Pennsylvania. We're way up in Michigan. We're doing very well in Arizona," Trump stated. Recent RealClearPolitics polling averages resonated with Trump’s assertions, showing him ahead in these key states.

Expressing his broader political views, Trump characterized the Republican Party as fundamentally rooted in “common sense.” He simplified the traditional conservative versus liberal debate, stressing the importance of border security, fair elections, and parental consent for transgender operations. "It is 99.9% common sense," Trump noted, emphasizing the party's straightforward approach to these issues.

The dialogue took a contentious turn when Micklethwait challenged Trump's economic proposals, suggesting they could exacerbate debt and inflation. Trump countered by pointing to his inflation-free tenure in office, a claim met with applause from the audience. This contention extended to Trump's tariff policies, with Micklethwait cautioning about potential negative economic impacts. Trump, however, maintained that higher tariffs would bolster American manufacturing. "The higher the tariff, the more likely it is that the company will come into the United States," Trump argued.

On foreign policy, Trump highlighted his relationships with leaders like Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong Un, asserting these ties garnered respect for the United States during his administration. When queried about potentially defending Taiwan against a Chinese invasion, Trump’s confident “The reason they're doing it now is because they're not going to do it afterward” was applauded. He remained tight-lipped on whether he had communicated with Putin post-presidency, hinting that maintaining such relationships could be advantageous.

Following the interview, Trump’s campaign sent an enthusiastic email to supporters, praising his performance and reiterating his commitment to reviving the economic successes of his first term. The message emphasized Trump's readiness to restore growth, prosperity, and opportunities for all Americans, echoing the optimism and assertiveness he displayed during the interview.