Trump Courts Black and Hispanic Voters in New York as Biden’s Coalition Grows
Donald Trump ventured into unfriendly territory on Thursday for a rare rally in deeply Democratic New York, aiming to win over Black and Latino voters who have shown signs of wavering support for Joe Biden.
This event took place in an area where the former Republican president was decisively defeated in 2020, following a pattern of Trump holding rallies in traditionally liberal states, most recently in New Jersey and Minnesota.
The focus of his speech in the South Bronx was to signal that he can attract large crowds among Hispanics and African Americans, who are key to Biden’s chances of winning the White House.
During his first rally in his former hometown since 2016, Trump was set to talk about crime and challenging economic conditions in one of the most diverse Democratic neighborhoods in the U.S., where nearly two-thirds of residents are Hispanic and one-third are Black.
Prior to Trump’s arrival, a line nearly a mile long weaved through Crotona Park in the Bronx, with local children playing and anticipation building for his speech.
“He’s from New York, so I don’t mind him being here,” said 68-year-old Bronx resident George Marrero, expressing a belief that Trump may perform better this time around.
The Trump campaign did not provide details about the rally, but a spokeswoman stated that New York state had been negatively impacted by Biden’s policies and that Trump would prioritize re-establishing law and order.
– Mixed Messages –
Despite claims of the need for increased law and order, New York City experienced a successful year in combating crime in 2023, with a decrease in murders and overall crime compared to the previous year.
The rally comes after a turbulent period for Trump, who was dealing with legal issues related to a trial in Manhattan involving allegations of falsifying business records to hide hush money payments in a sex scandal.
Trump’s appearance in the Bronx drew criticism from congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who mocked him for rallying in the borough due to his legal troubles.
New York has not voted for a Republican president since 1984, with Biden securing a majority of the vote in the Bronx in 2020.
While the Biden administration highlights its achievements for Hispanic and Black communities, Trump has faced backlash for controversial statements regarding criminal charges he faces and his attempts to appeal to Black voters.
Despite facing challenges, polling data shows that Trump has made progress in winning over Black and Hispanic Americans, particularly younger voters and those concerned about Biden’s handling of issues like immigration.
One supporter, 55-year-old retiree Richard Lyman, traveled from upstate New York to attend the rally and expressed his admiration for Trump’s policies and criticized the current administration.
