You are correct, he didn't want to talk about economic plans but his advisors are begging him to give them something to try and change the narrative because he is sinking bigly. The crowd there was maybe 2k tops but they (the professionals running his campaign) need sound bites and clips of him looking if not Presidential, at least coherent for the nightly news. But of course Trump can't stay on message so he keeps slipping further in the polls and will be blaming everyone around him and attacks those trying to help him get back to the White House.
You love to see it.
NC governor is a Democrat (and was on Harris's short list for VP)
While the legislature is Republican run our AG & Secretary of State are both Democrats and it will be quite difficult for Republicans to gum up the election I'm sure they will try though