On Sunday night, former President Donald Trump took the stage at a jam-packed Madison Square Garden in New York City, enveloping himself in the adoring cheers of his devoted base. The event, billed as a final major rally before the November election, served as a greatest hits compilation of Trump’s most reliable applause lines and divisive attacks.
Doubling Down on Anti-Immigration Rhetoric
Throughout the evening, Trump and his parade of opening speakers leaned heavily into xenophobic and racially-charged remarks, particularly targeting Latino and African American communities. Radio host Sid Rosenberg hurled ad hominem slurs at Hillary Clinton, much to the delight of the riled-up crowd.
Latinos “love making babies”, Hichcliffe said. “There’s no pulling out. They come inside, just like they do to our country.”
Tony Hinchcliffe, Kill Tony podcast host
Trump himself vowed to pursue capital punishment for migrants convicted of killing Americans and to dust off the obscure Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to enable mass deportations. While light on logistics, the incendiary promises drew raucous cheers, underscoring the potency of immigration as a rallying cry for his base.
Scant Economic Vision
Tellingly, Trump devoted far less time to articulating his plans for the economy, despite bGallupipoppolling indicating it remains a top concern for voters. He tossed out vague pledges to introduce a tax credit for family caregivers and halve energy prices.
But details were sparse on how such measures would be funded or shepherded through a divided Congress. Critics argue Trump’s skeletal economic agenda could become a liability as undecided voters tune in, seeking solutions to kitchen table issues like inflation and stagnant wages.
Confidence…or Complacency?
The tone of the MSG event reflected a Trump campaign supremely confident in its strategy of supercharging turnout among die-hard supporters to eke out an electoral college win. Sources say team Trump is whispering about possibly even snatching the popular vote this time around.
But some wonder if leaning so heavily into niche messaging risks leaving persuadable moderates cold. Trump offered little to expand his coalition, instead serving up the reddest of red meat to an audience that would crawl over broken glass to vote for him anyway.
As the first Samoan Malaysian low IQ, former California prosecutor to ever be elected president. No, she’s not impressive.
Tucker Carlson, mocking VP Kamala Harris’ racial background
Populist Pageantry
The rally leaned into Trumpian stagecraft, featuring vintage set pieces to delight the adoring crowd. Melania Trump made a rare campaign trail appearance, while celebrity surrogates like Hulk Hogan ripped off shirts on stage to symbolize tearing off the shackles of the establishment.
It was a safe space for Trumpworld to luxuriate in its most outré impulses, unbound by political correctness or appeals to persuasion. A defiant last stand by a movement that makes no apologies for its hero’s rough edges.
As the final, frenetic days of the 2024 contest commence, Trump is betting it all on his base. Having never cracked 50% approval, it’s a high-risk, high-reward play. The MSG rally laid bare the GOP coalition’s fundamental conundrum—whether dancing with the ones who brought you is enough when the floor is shrinking beneath your feet.
