NEW YORK — Thousands of people from the New York area and other parts of the country came here Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday afternoon Former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally.
The NYPD said it had drones over the area, robots and a helicopter, as well as anti-terrorism units outside the scene to keep everyone safe.
With just nine days to go until Election Day, a new CBS News poll has the two presidential candidates neck and neck, with Vice President Kamala Harris at 50% and Trump at 49% among likely voters. In the battleground states, both polls have a percentage of 50%.
The focus of the respective campaigns was on issues such as immigration, the war between Israel and Hamas, and crime.
Trump, JD Vance, Elon Musk and Melania Trump spoke
Sunday’s meeting marked a detour from the battlegrounds for Trump. When Trump entered the arena, there was applause, a standing ovation and the crowd began to sing. Every seat seemed occupied, from the floor to the highest parts.
In his remarks, Trump labeled Vice President Kamala Harris a “train wreck” and said electing her would “be gambling with the lives of millions.”
His speech included well-known campaign lines on immigration, his own plan deportationcrime and the border,
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Among those who took the stage before the former president spoke were vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance and billionaire supporter Elon Musk.
Surprisingly, Melania Trump also appeared and introduced her husband. It was her first public political speech this campaign cycle and the first time she introduced her husband at an event this cycle. Mrs. Trump has largely not campaigned this year, making only a handful of appearances with her husband during Trump’s third presidential election.
Other speakers included Robert F. Kennedy Jr.former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Jr., and Staten Island activist Scott LoBaido.
“President Trump grew up here. He is a New Yorker,” Giuliani said. ‘That’s why people are a bit annoyed with him. He says what he thinks.’
Michael M Santiago/Getty Images/Getty Images
Trump supporters are enjoying the former president’s appearance
The former president is from Queens. CBS News New York met with supporters from his hometown, as well as a couple from Chicago and others from the New York area.
“I just love him, and he’s the best. I want the economy to get better,” one woman said.
“We have an influx of migrants, illegal migrants. Our economy is…just go to the grocery store,” added a Dutchess County man.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was one of several Long Island representatives who came to the Garden in Trump’s motorcade.
“Just look around you. This is incredible. We’re in New York City, in the middle of, you know, this is liberal… one of the most liberal cities in the country, and it’s amazing,” New York City Councilmember York, Inna. said Vernikov.
Vulgar language during the introductions
Before Trump took the stage, there was vulgar language in the speeches. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, known as Kill Tony, made a crude joke calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of trash” and made other offensive jokes about black people and Latinos.
Danielle Alvarez, Trump’s senior adviser, told CBS News about the comment from Puerto Rico: “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign,” and the campaign said the jokes were not reviewed or pre-approved.
Sid Rosenberg, a radio host Trump often talks to, called Hillary Clinton a “sick son of ab***” and called migrants “damn illegals.”
David Rem, a childhood friend of Trump, called Harris “the antichrist.”
Grant Cardone, a business owner, said Harris “and her pimp handlers will destroy the country.”
Lisa Rozner
