As the 2024 election approaches, Donald Trump has shifted his campaign strategy, making stops in Democratic strongholds like California and New York. On Saturday, Trump held a rally in California’s Coachella Valley, part of a series of events scheduled in overwhelmingly blue states, which he claims demonstrates his widespread support across the country. Despite previous losses in these states, Trump remains focused on rallying his base and reaching new audiences.
Trump’s campaign stops in traditionally Democratic states, including an upcoming event at New York’s Madison Square Garden, deviate from the usual focus on swing states. While these states are unlikely to change their voting patterns, the former president uses these rallies to energize supporters, raise funds, and assist local Republican candidates, particularly those in tight House races. Trump insists he has substantial backing even in deep-blue areas, asserting on a Southern California radio show that he could win California if voting was “honest,” despite losing by 29 points in the previous election.
Trump’s allies argue that these rallies help boost his presence in regions with large numbers of Republican voters and donors, creating valuable opportunities to garner attention and resources. The rallies also allow Trump to critique Democratic governance, which he claims is responsible for issues in the states he visits. At a recent rally in Detroit, Trump warned that a Kamala Harris victory would lead to “our whole country ending up like Detroit,” a message he’s likely to repeat during his blue-state tour without fear of backlash in traditionally red regions.
During the Coachella rally, Trump’s communications director stated that the event aimed to highlight Harris’ record and position Trump as the solution to national issues. Local officials, however, criticized the rally, with Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez stating that Trump’s views on immigration and social issues do not align with the community’s values. Trump, however, maintains that these events show how deep his support runs and set the groundwork for contesting the election results should Harris win.
The Coachella rally drew large crowds, which Trump sees as a barometer of his national support, fueling his belief that bigger events equate to stronger election prospects. Despite criticism, Trump’s campaign remains confident that these rallies will not only engage core supporters but also attract voters typically disengaged from politics. Trump’s team has also sought to broaden his appeal through interviews with popular online personalities, a tactic mirrored by Harris in recent weeks.
Trump’s upcoming rallies, including a notable event at Madison Square Garden just before Election Day, are designed to keep him in the national spotlight, garnering attention from major media outlets. While Trump continues to express optimism about winning over blue-state voters, his campaign’s main goal appears to be keeping the spotlight on key issues like crime and immigration, themes he hammered on during a recent stop in Aurora, Colorado, where he criticized state leaders and proposed strict immigration measures.
Though some see these rallies as a waste of time, Trump views them as essential to demonstrating his nationwide appeal and rallying support across the political map.
