October 13, 2024

"Although Mr. Trump is not expected to be competitive in California, the rally showed that he could turn out a crowd."

"Throngs of people at Calhoun Ranch, where it was held, braved the desert sun and temperatures that hovered near 100 degrees.... It was Mr. Trump’s second foray into a blue state in two days. On Friday, he visited Aurora, Colo., where he made a series of nativist attacks and promoted falsehoods about crimes committed by migrants in a state where Ms. Harris is safely ahead in polls. And word surfaced this week that Mr. Trump was planning to hold a rally at Madison Square Garden, in New York City, on Oct. 27. That would be his third major campaign event in New York, a state that was once his home but is also solidly blue.... At his California rally, several speakers taunted Ms. Harris, who represented California in the Senate and served as its attorney general, for problems the state has faced. Mr. Trump called California a 'paradise lost.'"

Writes Neil Vigdor, in "Trump Hits Coachella, Campaigning Once Again in a Blue State/The former president took a detour from the battleground states to hold a rally in the California desert, where temperatures hovered near 100 degrees" (NYT).

Why is Trump rallying in blue states? Lots of experts are weighing in. The dominant mainstream view seems to be that Trump wants to use these places as a backdrop for arguing that Democrats govern badly. Also there's the idea of helping down ballot Republicans.

I think it makes him look as though he's confident that he will win, and maybe people like to vote for the winner or feel de-motivated to vote for someone who looks like the loser. That could help him in all of the states. I think that a lot of people pre-adjust to what they think is inevitable and that Trump may be looking ahead and thinking about smoothing the transition of power — mellowing the people who might otherwise be screaming at the sky.


Trump recently expressed concern for that iconic screaming woman:
@civic.threads Trump is the 🐐! #trump #vance #kamala #walz #debate #trumpforce1 #shirts #wow #fyp ♬ original sound - Civic Threads

87 comments:

Dogma and Pony Show said...

Isn't it just that he's trying to win the popular vote?

Dogma and Pony Show said...

Also, even in these "solidly blue" states, there are still millions and millions of republicans and independents. I think it's good to acknowledge the existence of these people and give them a chance to come out and tell the world that not everyone in California is a mindless communist.

Steven said...

It is important for Trump to actively campaign in California even though he has no chance of carrying the state. Should he win the Electoral College but not the popular vote, the Democrats will seek to delegitimize the results (in truth, they will seek to delegitimize a Trump victory under any circumstance). As noted, it also helps down ballot races. The beaten-down conservatives of California need encouragement.

Bob Boyd said...

I hope...
She blew up her TV
Threw away her paper
Went to the country
Built her a home
Had a lot of children
Fed 'em on peaches
They all found Jesus on their own

but I have my doubts.

tommyesq said...

promoted falsehoods about crimes committed by migrants

I am sure that there were statistics and evidence presented to show that Trump's statements were false - after all, the NYT is known for its rigor and evenhandedness.

tommyesq said...

While Trump draws a lot of people to these rallies, they are still seen (on TV, the internet, clips and snippets) by a vastly larger number of people, including those from swing states. Also, it shows strength, particularly in comparison to Harris, who won't even appear on a non-scripted interview with a friendly MSM.

Dixcus said...

"On Friday, he visited Aurora, Colo., where he made a series of nativist attacks and promoted falsehoods about crimes committed by migrants."

All of this was presented by the "journalist" without any evidence. Trump's statements were not quoted.

Trump's alleged "nativist attacks" were not quoted. Whatever falsehoods he stated were not quoted. The reader must simply trust whatever spin the NY Times "journalist" puts on Trump's comments.

It should be noted that this isn't a "column." Where the writer would be given leeway to make observations of a personal nature. This was written as a "news" story.

The NY Times is an untrustworthy narrator and I really feel sorry for the people of New York who have to rely on this alleged newspaper to get their information. Those people are not well-served.

Maybe the New York Times should stick to telling us about how Hunter Biden's laptop bears all the hallmarks of Russia propaganda.

RideSpaceMountain said...

Have you ever wondered what a person that says "sUCk A diCk BIgOt!" Looks like? Well now you have.

MadTownGuy said...

I find it odd that people who (presumably) don't believe in any deity find it cathartic to scream at the sky.

Dixcus said...

I'd also like to say how sick it is that this mentally ill woman is so unfortunate to live in a country that refuses to treat her illness and instead attempts to spread her sickness to others.

Our country is demented.

Ann Althouse said...

"Isn't it just that he's trying to win the popular vote?"

Why would he expend his money, time, and energy on that? It's only because he believes he's winning by enough of a margin. So I wouldn't say "just." It is valuable to have a mandate, so the more votes the better.

Earnest Prole said...

mellowing the people who might otherwise be screaming at the sky.

The thing we learned from reality television is that people stand ready and are eager to play their role — all they need is a little nudge.

MadTownGuy said...

@Dixcus: heh. "Untrustworthy narrator" is a songwriting term, best exemplified by Randy Newman's "Short People," where the performer is singing something he disbelieves in order to mock it. Probably not true of the NYT writer, but it's mockable nonetheless.

Ann Althouse said...

An argument his people make is that it's to get the attention of the press. It's doing something conspicuous and big, rather than another rural Wisconsin rally or some such thing.

The rallies are full of people who are already committed to voting for him and get a bang out of seeing him again. So what good does a rally do?

Dixcus said...

First of all, Trump will be dead soon. The Democrats are going to kill him. So he's not going to be winning any elections, and he's not going to be the next President even if he did somehow win. But secondly, it won't matter how Trump performs in either the popular vote or the Electoral College. Democrats are not going to certify his election and they're going to DARE American citizens to stop them.

Narayanan said...

+1 hope that some of 81million will now be vote for Trump

Dixcus said...

One thing a good rally does is to demonstrate for people's own eyes how popular a candidate truly is. Trump draws tens of thousands of people to his events. And he does that with Trump as the star of the show ... not Beyonce or some other twerking performer giving a free concert that just happens to also lend its stage to Kamala Harris to speak to a captive audience that has no choice but to stand there and listen.

Kamala Harris is not popular. People are tracking cell phones of the people attending her rallies and have discovered that it's the same cell phones at those locations time and time again ... people are hired and bussed in to her rallies. Her popularity is entirely contrived.

That's how fake our elections are. And that's how fake her candidacy is.

Iman said...

I predict we will soon be awash in teh leftwing’s bitter tears and I plan to drink deeply, my friends. I suggest you work up a thirst.

Leland said...

A big mistake noted by state level supporters of Hillary Clinton campaign was that she failed to make an appearance in many states whether because she thought they were in the bag for her or hopelessly against her. Instead, she focused on the big wins in California, New York, and Florida. That “just” got her the popular vote, but lost her the Presidency and Democrats both sides of Congress and eventually the Supreme Court, as they see it.

A good party leader gets out the vote wherever it is. That helps with their mandate, but also in winning the support they will need in Congress. As of now, the Senate is most likely going to flip. Yet so is the House. Trump must retain the House to have any hope for implementing his agenda in any meaningful way.

Remove about a 30 mile strip off the coast of California and it is solidly red. He needs to motivate those people to vote. Good for him.

The rule of Lemnity said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Iman said...

Tears, tears and more tears
What happened to the thing they had?
Tears, tears and more tears
We beat the blues and we beat ‘em bad

The rule of Lemnity said...

For those people who may have some doubts about Kamala, but they have never voted “republican” before, it says to them, Trump came here where I live.

Michael K said...

Good point.

Dude1394 said...

He’s trying to win the popular vote but also he is showing that he represents all Americans. Democrats continue to show that they will take you for granted, Trump doesn’t.

RAH said...

It is good the the RNC is making a real push for House GOP seats and Senate seats. I never saw that with Paul Ryan or Rhonda. . I like Michael Whatley and Lara Trumps work. Finally the RNC is working together to win. If Trump can afford doing appearances in CA, that is good idea. CA has millions of GOP voters . It is that big. Nunez is from CA. Make a push to get back blues states a little at a time.
The big blue states are NY , CA, IL.

rehajm said...

There is only one blue state. The rest only have blue cities.

Terry di Tufo said...

Agree with the Professor. Big crowds are important visuals and he can get big crowds in big (blue) states and look like a winner. In contrast, the Kammie and Timmy videos are always in small areas with desks and a few people.

Mason G said...

"It is valuable to have a mandate, so the more votes the better."

How many votes do you think it would take before Democrats considered him the legitimate winner? Would 100% be enough? More?

rehajm said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rehajm said...

Subtle but speaking in states where he is never going to win looks and sounds like he is ready to represent all Americans, not just the people who support him. It doesn’t help him win CA or NY but people in most swing states have internet and television…

DINKY DAU 45 said...

Because oF this perps fragile ego and obsession with crowd sizes he goes to somewhere where all the minority of his voters are so they can look like a big crowd but miniscule in the scheme of things and then say "see size of my crowd" Its not brain surgery its all about EGO and Lord forbid Kamala gets a bigger crowd then he does. Its very see thru if you pay attention and arent completely brain ADJUSTED by the Con.

Breezy said...

One thing he discussed is the on-purpose lack of water for farming, saving the delta smelt, and the awful effect it has on agriculture in CA. He not only looks “present” to Californians by going there, but he also shows that he cares enough about the state to know their big issues and propose solutions to them. So he further demonstrates his problem solving capacity across multiple fronts.

Aggie said...

Precisely what I concluded, although as always he'll get no credit from anyone in front of a Blue microphone. It'll change some Independent minds.

Aggie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hassayamper said...

Before sundown on Inauguration Day, I expect he will pardon himself and the non-violent J6 political prisoners, along with numerous other drastic and aggressive executive orders to undo the damage of the illegitimate Biden enemy occupation government. A popular-vote majority will give him the Mandate of Heaven and help lubricate the Democrats for the reaming he is about to give them.

gspencer said...

You can add MA to your list of "only one blue state." Along with RI, VT, CT

Hassayamper said...

Democrats are not going to certify his election and they're going to DARE American citizens to stop them.

Ooooh, I wish a commie would.....

Mason G said...

"So he further demonstrates his problem solving capacity across multiple fronts."

As opposed to your typical politician (both parties), for whom problems are something to nurture *cough*abortion*cough* in order to generate campaign contributions.

Howard said...

There are more Trump supporters in California than any other state in the nation. Math is hard, Barbie. Think structural not emotional.

Kevin said...

Why is Trump rallying in blue states?

Because he's not running to be President of Red America.

Dogma and Pony Show said...

You're right, it's not "just." But winning the PV wasn't even mentioned as reason for his campaigning in blue states, even though IMO it's the most likely explanation.

Campaigning in blue states does more than signal confidence. As big as his crowds are, Trump's appearances in California, Colorado, etc. garner an awful lot of viewers and media attention in swing states and red states. So, if you're Trump, why not do a rally in "unfriendly" territory? It costs about the same, you get the same (or more) tv coverage as anywhere else, you demonstrate your courage and confidence, and you get to promote the idea that Trumpism is popular everywhere. And, as I said, it might motivate a bunch of dispirited conservatives in blue states to help you win the PV.

Dogma and Pony Show said...

I think some of it is to motivate people who already support you to do MORE, such as donate money, volunteer time, and urge friends and family to get on the bandwagon.

Ice Nine said...

So then, you're just having a pipe dream, I guess.

Bill Harshaw said...

As many observed, there are a lot of Trump supporters in California. IIRC he hasn't done rallies there before, so it's an untapped market to sell his Chinese Bibles and other stuff.

rehajm said...

No. There are loyal Republican voters living everywhere in Massachusetts. Same with RI and CT in the same way as NY and CA. Vermont however…all the decent people have died or moved away…

Dogma and Pony Show said...

To make it a meaningful comparison, you'd have to adjust for the fact that Kamala PAYS her "crowds" to be there.

I wonder what would happen if Kamala tried to have a big outdoor rally in Florida to try to match up against Trump's rally in California -- and not pay anyone to show up.

rehajm said...

Interesting Howard. Prolly true yah…

n.n said...

Democracy is deemed nonviable at the NYT. Take a knee. Abort.

Bushman of the Kohlrabi said...

I think the rallies are overrated. Few, if any, undecided voters go to these events. The media basically ignores them unless he says something dumb. He also spent time holding rallies in uncompetitive states in 2020 to no avail. I’m starting to think they’re more of a vanity event to Trump.

Meanwhile, in my corner of a critical swing state, his campaign is basically invisible except for 1 or 2 cardboard mailers a week. Almost no TV, social media or radio ad spend. In other words, a repeat of his 2020 campaign. Here Kamala and her PACs are the only show in town. My only hope is that he’s running an actual campaign somewhere in the country

hombre said...

I see the leftmediaswine have moved on from "wierd" to "nativist." These characterizations satisfy the subpars whose minds they occupy. They intentionally stifle discussion. When they do engage look at them. "How many immigrants?" "Eating cats and dogs." Forget the cost. Forget the crime! Forget our middle class. Forget basic economics. Look at Freder and Igna. We are becoming a nation of nitwits.

Jupiter said...

" ... he made a series of nativist attacks and promoted falsehoods about crimes committed by migrants ...".
They just can't keep from lying. They are positively bursting with lies. The lies well up from within like that thing in Alien.

Michael K said...

Another good point.

tim in vermont said...

Maybe Trump wants to be President of all Americans, not just half, like Joe Biden was.

Unknown said...

Republicans hold several House districts in Southern California, for example Michelle Steel, Young Kim, Mike Garcia, and Ken Calvert. These races are always close. The Republican candidates need all the help they can get.

Michael K said...

He has done rallies there in spite of your snark.

Original Mike said...

Perhaps this is why Trump would want to maximize his popular vote total: Election Interference? Dems Won't Certify Election If Trump Wins

Wince said...

Every time I go to California I think of the California, Here We Come! episode of I Love Lucy.

EdwdLny said...

Why does Trump campaign in.......? If you don't invade enemy territory you won't win the war. The democrats are the enemy, in every sense of the word. Not only an enemy of Trump, but of free Americans. It's a big in their face, "kiss my ass" to the democrats . It's also a sign of confidence and strength.

Steven said...

Dixcus, I don't disagree with you. But my sister always berates me for giving up hope. So I wrote a commentary that that at least held out the possibility that Trump could overcome the margin of fraud or avoid being murdered.

Aggie said...

Which state, if you don't mind?

tastid212 said...

iirc, some people blamed Richard Nixon's narrow loss in 1960 on his decision to spend time and money making a campaign trip to Alaska, where very few voters and electoral votes were at stake. But Trump campaigning in big blue states is different. Maybe he went to help downballot candidates (i.e., Steve Garvey). Maybe he had some fundraising dinners scheduled and had time to hold a couple of rallies too. Big media markets.

Inga said...

Thousand of Trump fans stranded 5 miles away from the parking area at Coachella after rally.

“I don’t want anybody going on me. We need every voter. I don’t care about you. I just want your vote.”-Trump

”I don’t really care, do you?”

Christopher B said...

Aggie's question is critical. I understand your concern but funds are limited and choices have to be made. I'm not seeing much beyond mailers in KY for obvious reasons.

FWIW, Nate Silver concedes that Trump has more routes to 270 than Harris, who pretty much has to win PA, MI, and WI.

Inga said...

trump supporters texting to JD Vance about being stranded.

So what do they think JD Vance will do? It might be a good idea to pay the bus drivers and for the gas first.

Inga said...

Dee Plorable says she was “thrown under the bus”.😄

loudogblog said...

I'm calling bullshit on this claim. No media outlets, (even the politically left ones) are talking about this. And we all know that they would love to talk about this. It's just a few individuals posting random video on social media of people waiting for shuttle busses.

Inga said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Inga said...

”Something went wrong. People are freaking out.”

Inga said...

X users are complaining that their videos of the stranded Trump rally attendees are being deleted. So much for Leon Musk and freedom of speech.

Bushman of the Kohlrabi said...

Ozaukee county in Wisconsin. One of the three most important counties for Republicans in the state. Failure to rack up huge margins in these counties will result in a Trump loss here. Republican turnout has been down in these counties since 2016 resulting in Republican losses in every major statewide race since.

What’s worse is that the threes counties are in close proximity to each other. They are in virtually the same media market. If the Trump campaign is not adequately spending in one county, the same is likely true in all three.

Skeptical Voter said...

Look--every single one of California's electoral college votes will be cast for Harris. But even though California is a single party state, dominated by the Dims, there are a significant number of California voters who will vote for Trump. And when the silly sort of dick measuring game 81 million votes versus 72 million votes is played , those California Republican votes will be counted.

Michael said...

Trump is also trying to break through the Media blockade. They can downplay or muffle what happens elsewhere, but they have to cover monster rallies in Manhattan or California.

Original Mike said...

"”Something went wrong. People are freaking out.”

Says someone named BlueDream.

Inga said...

https://dnyuz.com/2024/10/13/third-trump-assassination-attempt-thwarted-when-armed-man-arrested-outside-coachella-rally-sheriff-says/

“The suspect was caught about a mile from the rally venue with a phony-entry pass, according to police. He was also carrying a loaded shotgun, handgun and high capacity magazine.

“We probably stopped another assassination attempt,” Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said.

The suspect, identified as Vem Miller, was intercepted by police at a checkpoint about a half-mile from the rally entrance. He was carrying a fake phony press and VIP passes.

“They were different enough to cause the deputies alarm,” Bianco said, according to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

Miller is believed to be a member of a rightwing anti-government organization, according to Bianco, and was plotting to kill Trump.

He has a UCLA Masters degree, and in 2022 ran for Nevada State assembly, the newspaper reported.“

Strangely, he was released on $5,000. bail. The Daily Mail said $10,000. bail. Hmmm…something just doesn’t seem to make sense about this incident.

R C Belaire said...

If this National Popular Vote initiative ever becomes the method states use to determine their electoral votes, then even if a candidate loses the popular vote in, say, California, if s/he garners enough votes on the losing side, those votes, when added to the national total, may put the candidate over the top.

Dixcus said...

THIRD ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON TRUMP.

And the cops have already released the suspect. He is Vem Miller, an alleged failed Republican from Nevada and is now a member of the media, with a channel on Roku. His podcast is called "Blood Money." Showed up to the Coachella rally with fake press credentials and loaded weapons.

loudogblog said...

"Bianco said Miller considers himself a so-called sovereign citizen, a group of people who do not believe they are subject to any government statutes unless they consent to them.

The Sheriff’s Department set up what Bianco called a double perimeter that controlled access within a half mile of the rally. Residents were allowed through, but they were watched to make sure they drove to their neighborhoods and not toward the rally.

Miller was caught at one of those checkpoints."

He's one of those sovereign citizen nut cases. There are lots of videos on YouTube showing them getting arrested and claiming that the laws don't apply to them.

https://www.pressenterprise.com/2024/10/13/las-vegas-man-found-with-loaded-firearm-high-capacity-magazine-near-trump-rally-in-coachella-valley/

Michael K said...

The dullard doesn't mention the third attempt at assassination at that rally.

Michael K said...

Oh, so you did notice. As for "rightwing", there are plenty of nuts in CA. The low bail is standard in CA. It's a wonder it isn't "own recognizance."

Inga said...

Senile Asshole #1…

Try reading before insertion of foot in your mouth.

Michael K said...

Something really strange is is going on here.

“Bad Genes” said...

The press loves polling because they drive the horse race and create constant new content. But they are only informative with large differences. From a data perspective it is unconscionable to conclude anything from them if within a few points.

Jim at said...

where he made a series of nativist attacks and promoted falsehoods about crimes committed by migrants

Do these assholes ever stop lying? They weren't 'nativist' attacks and the numerous crimes committed by illegal aliens are documented.

BUMBLE BEE said...

There may have been another attempt...

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2024/10/13/possible-third-assassination-attempt-thwarted-by-police-at-coachella-trump-rally/

Jim at said...

IIRC he hasn't done rallies there before, so it's an untapped market to sell his Chinese Bibles and other stuff.

Why do you care what Trump supporters spend their money on?

BUMBLE BEE said...

Mostly union members gettin' O.T. for attending, I'd wager.

BUMBLE BEE said...

Mostly union members gettin' O.T. for attending, I'd wager.