Former President Trump Gears Up for Battle in Nevada
It’s no secret that former President Donald Trump’s relationship with Nevada is a complicated one. Despite his firm grip on the state’s Republican Party, he lost Nevada in two consecutive presidential campaigns. However, as the Trump campaign shifts its focus to the battleground state, the former president hints at embracing the challenge.
During a recent event, Trump acknowledged the difficulty of winning Nevada but expressed his belief that it is ultimately a Republican state. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, proclaiming it to be the most significant in the history of the country.
While the event was relatively small, Trump didn’t shy away from his usual theatrics. He made a point of noting the “large crowd” outside and drew attention to media coverage of recent rally sizes. But it wasn’t all showmanship; Trump also delivered his familiar falsehoods about the 2020 election, vowing to fix the country’s electoral system, including addressing issues in Nevada.
Throughout his speech, Trump touched on a range of topics, including the border, China, critical race theory, transgender issues, and his previous accomplishments as president. He garnered cheers from the crowd when he mentioned influential Nevada GOP figures, including state party chair Michael McDonald, who recently testified before a grand jury investigating the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
Interestingly, the Nevada GOP, under McDonald’s leadership, is currently suing the state government for transitioning away from the caucus format that benefited Trump in 2016. The party argues for a return to grassroots support, while the 2024 primary is set to move to a traditional state-run primary.
Trump took the opportunity to criticize Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, with whom he seems to have a strained relationship. Just weeks after DeSantis campaigned in Nevada, he delivered a message suggesting that Republicans should look beyond Trump if they want to defeat a Democrat in 2024. In response, Trump dismissed DeSantis as “highly overrated” and lacking personality. He particularly targeted DeSantis’ 2018 vote in support of nuclear waste storage at Yucca Mountain, a contentious issue in Nevada.
Polling in Nevada has been limited, but early polls show Trump with a significant lead over DeSantis. The other GOP contenders currently trail in single digits.
As Trump concluded his speech, he alluded to bigger things to come in the campaign season. He expressed gratitude for the support and promised to return for more rallies with thousands of attendees.
As the former president gears up for a potential comeback, his focus on Nevada demonstrates his determination to reclaim the presidency and reestablish his influence within the Republican Party. Only time will tell if his efforts in the Silver State will be successful.