Trump aims to aggressively target states traditionally led by Democrats if he wins the Republican presidential primary, with him admitting, “I may be foolish in doing it.”
Red in Blue States
If he wins the GOP nomination, Trump plans to make a strong push in states that typically favor Democrats, like New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Minnesota, and New Mexico, aiming to shake up the usual battlegrounds.
Changing the Game
Trump has expressed confidence in competing in states long out of Republican reach in presidential races. He’s considering holding rallies in these areas, though he may not invest as much effort as in key battlegrounds like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, Arizona, and Georgia.
He’s even floated the idea of hosting a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Surprising Rally Locations
In his extensive two-hour interview at the opulent Mar-a-Lago seaside resort, Trump declared his ambitious plan: “One of the other things I’m going to do — and I may be foolish in doing it — is I’m going to make a heavy play for New York, heavy play for New Jersey, heavy play for Virginia, heavy play for New Mexico, and a heavy play for a state that hasn’t been won in years, Minnesota.”
Campaign Efforts in Non-Traditional Territory
When questioned about his strategy for “making a heavy play” in states like New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, Virginia, and New Mexico, Trump explained, “I’m going to do rallies, I’m going to do speeches, I’m going to work them. That doesn’t mean I’m going to work them as hard as I work Pennsylvania, where I’m doing very well.”
Bold Bet on Blue
As a GOP presidential candidate nearing a potential third nomination, Trump’s promise to secure states like New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, Virginia, and New Mexico represents a major commitment in the context of a general election.
“Foolish” Yet Fearless
Trump himself acknowledges the slim chances in these states, admitting it might be “foolish” to target them. Yet, his vision for the Rust Belt states in the Midwest in 2016—where he spotted what many Republicans missed—reflects a similar boldness.
“Those are my states”
In August 2015, well before the 2016 election, Trump confidently said that he expected to win states like Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, calling them “my states.”
The “Worst Mayor” Ever?
Trump openly shared his current feelings about New York, stating, “I left New York 8 years ago, We had already suffered from De Blasio a little bit. But it hadn’t been long enough. He was a horrible mayor. He was the worst mayor in the history of New York.”
He added, “We were suffering from De Blasio a little bit but it was eight years ago when I left, and when I left it was the hottest thing. Now, you look at it and what they’ve done to that beautiful place is just horrible. So, I think I have a chance there. I will spend time that I would normally not be working on New York and New Jersey and other places.”
Decades of Democrat Dominance
It’s been decades since a Republican presidential nominee won in New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, Virginia, or New Mexico. The last Republican victory in any of these states occurred in 2004 when George W. Bush won New Mexico.
It’s Not Impossible
Trump’s plan to broaden the electoral map might seem too ambitious, but it isn’t necessarily impossible, with scant public polling in the target states showing some potential signs in his favor.
Signs of Hope
A notable example is a late 2023 Siena College poll in New York, showing Trump trailing Biden by single digits. Biden’s lead was below 50%, at 46%, compared to Trump’s 37%. Considering Biden’s nearly 2 million vote lead in 2020, with 61% to Trump’s nearly 38%, this poll, Biden might face a tighter race in New York than previously thought
Wishful Thinking or Real Shift?
Determining whether Trump’s strategy is merely wishful thinking, a clever diversion, or a sign of an impending major shift in the Electoral College is yet to be determined. The continuous flow of new plans and polling in the upcoming months will shed light on how this approach plays out for Trump, a strongly anticipated future leader of America.
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