Never saw smoke that I can remember in the 20th century. There were some big fires east of the mountains, but winds were onshore so much of the time then.
I think the presser by Trump just magnified how awkward and childish he can be. It was painful watching him brag and say demeaning things about people. If he would just keep to the policy problems with his opponents and stop bragging so much, it gets very old. He also exaggerates just about everything. He claimed he was ahead by 30 to 50 points in some states! He also said he was leading some polls by a lot in the swing states! The left leaning press will joyfully point out all his misstatements and Kamala will make good use of them as well.
I have records from back then that include notes and one summer I remember it said smoke for almost every day of an entire month. Can't remember which one offhand.
I think Trump was spot on when he talked about how they forced Biden out of the race. Biden did not want to leave, and he likely is very pissed about it.