Elections
Trump to CA Republicans: ‘I Would Win California if Election Wasn’t Rigged’
Former President Donald Trump delivered what his estimated 1,500 supporters wanted to hear during the keynote speech at the California Republican Convention on Friday in Anaheim.
During a lunchtime speech, the runaway polling leader for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination said he would easily win California if the election wasn’t rigged.
“I’m here to tell you, help is on its way,” Trump said.
His 90-minute-plus speech relied on storytelling and humor.
He constantly bashed California policy, and its well-known problems such as crime, blackouts, homelessness, and much more.
He did not mention the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, barely mentioning the vacancy in passing when making fun of Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, who is running for the seat in 2024.
Tickets for the lunch cost $600, and $1,000 to sit closer to the front. Some supporters also paid five figures for a special meet and greet before the event.
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Supporters of former President Donald Trump engage with members of the Democratic Party of Orange County holding a rally where the 2023 California Republican Convention is being held in Anaheim, Calif., Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (AP/Damian Dovarganes)
Latest Polling
Trump is the runaway poll leader at 54.8%, according to the averages of national polls calculated by fivethirtyeight.com.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is a distant second at 13.5%, and no one else is in double figures.
California Bashing, But He Likes Newsom
Trump took his usual pot-shots at California leaders.
“Nancy Pelosi … how is her husband by the way?” Trump said about Paul Pelosi, who was violently attacked at his San Francisco home last year.
Trump said he actually likes Gavin Newsom personally, but certainly not his policies.
“Gavin has become Crooked Joe Biden’s top surrogate,” Trump said.
A name drop of Devin Nunes, the one-time Central Valley congressman and now working for Trump’s social media company drew applause from the crowd. It was in relation to Trump talking about California’s “man-made drought.”
He blamed Newsom, the “radical left,” and the Delta smelt.
“That little f****r is not allowing you to clean yourself,” Trump said.
Regarding his four federal indictments, Trump said that’s more than notorious mobster Al Capone had. Trump called the indictments “a badge of honor. I’m being indicted for you.”
“In the end, they’re not after me, they’re after you,” Trump said.
Trump also discussed transgender issues. He supports parental notification rights and opposes transgender women competing in women’s sports.
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A man holds a Donald Trump hat as the former president speaks at the California Republican Party Convention Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP/Jae C. Hong)
Trump Also Said …
Other speech highlights:
He would solve the border problem within 24 hours;
Made fun of electric cars, but said customers should have an option;
Took a shot at the media, seated at the back of the room;
Said he would utilize the Department of Justice to investigate “radical” district attorneys;
Advocated for shooting robbers when they leave a store (the audience responded with a standing ovation and a “Trump! Trump!” chant);
He mentioned GOP opponent Chris Christie, calling the former New Jersey governor “a loser”; and Florida Ron DeSantis “DeSanctimonious.”
“I’m the one who turned Florida red, not him,” Trump said of DeSantis;
Will use federal law to remove and expel known foreign (i.e. MS-13) gang members;
He will settle the Russia-Ukraine war, saying it would have never started if he was president.
