Donald Trump rallied supporters in Albuquerque, New Mexico, just five days before the election, a bold move in a state he lost by double digits four years ago. Addressing a crowd at the airport, Trump didn’t shy away from his intentions, saying, “New Mexico, look, don’t make me waste a whole damn half a day here.” Yet, he emphasized his commitment, adding, “I’m here for one very simple reason. I like you very much, and it’s good for my credentials with the Hispanic or Latino community.”
In classic Trump style, he engaged the audience in a quick poll on preferred terminology, with “Hispanic” emerging as the popular choice. “I love the Hispanics. I love them,” Trump declared emphatically, underscoring his campaign’s strategy to win over a voting bloc that has increasingly supported him. Recent polling reflects a gradual shift in Hispanic support towards the former president, as Democrats face a modest decline in favorability among voters of color.
Rallying Support Beyond Battleground States
Although New Mexico is not among the seven most pivotal states this election, Trump’s decision to hold a rally there reflects his aim to attract a traditionally Democratic demographic. Campaign insiders believe that while Trump may not win New Mexico or Virginia, these campaign stops send a clear signal of his momentum and his bid to capture interest from Democratic strongholds. A campaign strategist close to Trump’s team revealed that adding New Mexico and Virginia to his itinerary was relatively low-cost since both stops aligned with nearby events in swing states like Nevada and Arizona.
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“An adrenaline blast” is how the strategist described the effect of these rallies on Trump supporters in blue-leaning states, where the rallies create a newsworthy buzz as the election countdown nears.
Messaging to Blue States and Traditional Democrats
In the final stretch, Trump’s rhetoric recalled his 2016 campaign playbook, spotlighting issues such as illegal immigration and the economy. Trump argued that life under a Kamala Harris administration would push “New Mexico back to a level of poverty” while imposing a financial strain that could “wipe out 35 percent of your state’s budget on day one.”
Trump’s last-minute push into traditionally blue areas also comes in the wake of recent appearances in California and New York, with a message aimed at showcasing his appeal to voters who may feel sidelined by Democratic policies. “As President Trump has said, he will be a president for all Americans,” stated Anna Kelly, spokesperson for the Republican National Committee. She added that the Republican campaign wants to emphasize how Harris’ policies, which she labeled as “dangerously liberal,” have failed Americans in places as varied as New York’s Bronx to Virginia and New Mexico.
Tapping into the Hispanic Vote
Trump’s messaging at the rally revolved around his growing support from Hispanic Americans, a crucial part of his coalition this election season. Notably, Trump touted the entrepreneurial drive and work ethic he attributes to the Hispanic community, sparking enthusiastic responses from the crowd. He predicted that this election would see him secure a “record share of the Hispanic American vote,” pledging that his policies align with the values and aspirations of hardworking families across the country.
As the election nears, Trump’s outreach in historically Democratic regions highlights his strategy of appealing broadly while focusing on his core message of economic prosperity and securing borders. Whether these late-stage efforts can convert long-standing Democratic voters remains to be seen, but Trump remains confident. “So if I did nothing else,” he concluded, “at least the Hispanics are going to say, ‘We love this guy,’ because I’ve set so many records.”
