Anaheim, California — In a Significant Visit, Trump Courts California GOP
Two days after opting out of his party’s second 2024 primary debate in Simi Valley, former President Donald Trump took the stage at the California GOP convention in Anaheim.
“Help is on the way,” Trump assured his supporters in a state where Democrats have long held sway.
During his speech, Trump told the crowd, "I would win California—a state I lost by more than 5 million votes in 2020—were it not for a rigged election system."
However, election experts and even Trump’s own administration have stated that the 2020 election was secure, and no substantial evidence of fraud affecting the outcome has been presented.
Full Video: Trump Speech at California GOP Convention (Sept. 29)
Specifics of Trump’s Speech at California GOP Convention Event Details:
Where: Anaheim Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, CA
Full Video: Watch Below
Video Courtesy RSBN and Rumble:
Trump’s visit aimed to solidify his standing in a GOP presidential contest he has led for some time. “This is a state the right Republican can win and I think win easily,” he said. California’s 169 convention delegates represent a significant prize in the GOP nomination race. Trump could secure all these delegates if he garners at least 50% of the vote in the state’s March 5 primary.
Trump also touched on issues specific to California, such as water shortages, and criticized the state’s Democratic leadership. “California was once the symbol of American success. Today, under the radical left fascists and Marxists that run your state, it’s becoming a symbol of our nation’s decline,” Trump declared.
The former president said he would empower police to crack down on retail thefts. “We will immediately stop all of the pillaging and theft. Very simply: If you rob a store, you can fully expect to be shot as you are leaving that store,” Trump stated.
A recent Public Policy Institute of California voter survey found Trump with support from nearly half of the likely Republican primary voters, far ahead of other contenders like DeSantis, who stood at 14%. However, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s focus on these issues will resonate with a broader electorate, given that Democrats dominate California’s political landscape.
Trump’s comments on crime were notably sharp. He has previously proposed shooting migrants to prevent border crossings and suggested the death penalty for drug dealers and anyone convicted of killing a police officer.
While Trump leads among Republican primary voters, California is not expected to be competitive in the November 2024 presidential election. The last Republican to win the state in a presidential contest was George H.W. Bush in 1988.
Geri Ainsworth, a retired nurse and registered Republican now living in Oregon, made a special trip to California to attend Trump’s speech. “The legal cases against Trump are poisoned by politics, and my resolve is even stronger to support him,” she said.
In summary, Trump’s visit to California was a strategic move to rally his base and make a case for his candidacy. However, his claims about election fraud and his stance on various issues continue to be points of contention, especially in a state where Democrats hold significant power.
Disclaimer: This article may contain the viewpoint and opinion of the author.