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Edited by: Fern Sidman
Former President Donald Trump captivated thousands of his supporters during a Wednesday night rally on Long Island, passionately asserting his determination to win New York in the upcoming presidential election. Speaking to a crowd of approximately 16,000 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Trump, who remains a dominant figure in the Republican party, declared that recent attempts on his life had not weakened him but rather “hardened my resolve,” according to a report in The New York Post. His speech came just three days after a disturbing incident where a gunman was found hiding at Trump’s Florida golf course.
🔥Nassau Coliseum was packed out to see the 47th POTUS tonight on Long Island. President Trump was on fire and on point. So honored to be part of this special night. I was told by an official that 20,000 people were outside as part of the overflow crowd. Incredible rally!🔥 pic.twitter.com/XWClaJlnoA
— Lee Zeldin (@LeeMZeldin) September 19, 2024
Trump’s defiance was unmistakable as he addressed his supporters, many of whom had traveled from neighboring states to see the 78-year-old Republican nominee. “These encounters with death have not broken my will,” Trump told the roaring crowd, emphasizing that the threats and dangers he had faced had only intensified his mission. As reported by The Post, Trump passionately affirmed that his purpose on Earth is “to make America great again for all Americans” and “to put America first.”
Today’s cover: Trump tells rowdy Long Island rally he’ll ‘save New York,’ asks voters ‘What the hell do you have to lose?’https://t.co/ku3FcWsQZ9 pic.twitter.com/cYogyw0AA5
— New York Post (@nypost) September 19, 2024
The former president’s reference to a July incident where he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, with a bullet grazing his ear at a Pennsylvania rally, highlighted the physical threats he has endured. Yet, he presented these experiences as evidence of his unbreakable spirit. “They’ve only hardened my resolve,” he continued, insisting that his mission is far from over.
In an audacious claim, Trump told the crowd that he would make history by becoming the first Republican candidate in nearly four decades to win New York state. “The reason I’m here,” Trump explained, “is because we are going to win New York.” His confidence was palpable as he boldly asserted, as was indicated in The Post, “That’s the first time in many, many years that a Republican can honestly say it, and we’re going to do it.”
Trump’s speech didn’t stop at predictions. He stressed the importance of securing New York for the Republican party, explaining that a win in the state would dramatically shift the national election. “We take over the White House and we fix up our country,” Trump told the crowd, leaving no doubt about his conviction that flipping New York would lead to a Republican victory across the country. The Post report captured the sense of urgency and excitement he brought to the stage, especially as his supporters from both New York and surrounding areas hung on his every word.
However, not all attention was on the former president’s words. The Post also reported that the excitement of the evening proved overwhelming for at least two female supporters, who, in apparent enthusiasm, flashed their bare breasts at Trump. The exuberant display went so far that one woman had to be escorted from the stands after some risqué dancing. These incidents underscored the fervor that continues to characterize Trump rallies, where passionate displays of loyalty are far from rare.
Trump’s focus quickly returned to his broader political strategy, pivoting from the wild excitement in the stands to the challenges that New Yorkers and all Americans face. In his characteristic style, he painted a grim picture of the current state of the country. As per the information provided in The Post report, Trump invoked the issues of rising crime, inflation, and a growing border crisis, telling his supporters that “with crime at record levels, with terrorists and criminals pouring in, and with inflation eating your hearts out, vote for Donald Trump!”
Trump declared, “We are going to rescue our Democrat-run states. We are going to start by saving the great state of New York.” According to The Post report, Trump painted a vivid picture of a state beleaguered by crime, particularly migrant-related offenses, and promised swift action if given the opportunity. “You got to get rid of these people,” he emphasized, referring to illegal immigrants. “Give me a shot, you will have a safe New York within three months,” he promised, linking the state’s high crime rate to immigration. In a dramatic flourish, Trump called November 5 “liberation day” for all New Yorkers, saying, “You are living like hell” due to crime under current leadership.
Trump’s rhetoric was especially aimed at those disillusioned by the current state of affairs, mirroring the populist approach he used during his earlier campaigns. “What the hell do you have to lose?” he asked, repeating a refrain that had been particularly targeted at Black voters and other traditionally Democratic constituencies during his 2016 run. His message, as captured by The Post, was clear: he is positioning himself as the candidate of change, with a promise to restore order and prosperity to a beleaguered nation.
Despite being embroiled in legal battles in New York, including both civil and criminal cases, Trump extended an olive branch to the state. As noted by The Post, he vowed to overlook the legal “persecution” he has endured from the state’s judicial system. “Despite all of the persecution I’ve endured from the corrupt judicial system in New York, I love the people of this state and I want to give back,” Trump said. This statement highlighted a recurring theme in his speech: the promise of redemption for New York. Even as he faces a conviction from May 30 for falsifying business records to cover hush money payments, Trump signaled his desire to work with the state to improve the lives of its citizens, irrespective of the ongoing prosecutions.
At the Trump Rally in Nassau Coliseum, Long Island! So many people! Crazy! Absolutely crazy! God bless Long Island! pic.twitter.com/1SgN6em1rJ
— Jerry Casil (@JCrusadr) September 18, 2024
Central to Trump’s platform was the idea of easing the financial and emotional burdens on New Yorkers. “I’m going to reduce your taxes, reduce your crime and reduce your levels of stress,” he assured the crowd, highlighting key elements of his economic plan. The Post reported that he reiterated his proposal to eliminate federal taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits, aiming to leave more money in the pockets of everyday workers. Trump’s populist rhetoric continued with a pledge: “The only thing that I will increase are your incomes, and your love for your state will come roaring back.” His speech tapped into a broader dissatisfaction with the economic policies of the current administration, while promoting his own vision of prosperity.
Interestingly, Trump acknowledged the limitations of his own 2017 tax reform law, which introduced the $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions, a cap that had sparked controversy, particularly in high-tax states like New York. According to The Post, Trump expressed support for raising this cap, aligning himself with a group of Republican congressmen from Long Island who have been vocal about the financial strain it imposes on their constituents. His comments reflected a willingness to adjust previous policies in response to local concerns, a nod to the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party and its base.
One particularly devoted rallygoer, Marlene Lowe from Harrison, NY, captured the fervor of Trump’s supporters. As reported by The New York Post, Lowe, who wore a T-shirt proclaiming, “Yes, I’m a Trump Girl – Get Over It!” expressed unwavering admiration for the former president. “He’s hanging in there for us. It’s the least we can do for him,” she told The Post. Her words reflected the deep connection many in the crowd felt with Trump, seeing him as a fighter who has endured personal and political hardships for their benefit. Lowe’s enthusiasm extended to a hope that she could get her hat signed by Trump, further illustrating the personal loyalty that remains a hallmark of his rallies.
According to The Post report, Patrick Hill, a 28-year-old from Cherry Hill, NJ, voiced what many Trump supporters feel: “Trump should have been dead twice, but here he is again. The man cannot be killed. Trump lives!” Hill’s comment reflects the growing narrative among Trump loyalists that the former president’s survival against multiple assassination attempts is evidence of a higher purpose, leading him to reclaim the presidency. “Now let’s help him take this country back again and seal the border and undo the damage Biden wreaked on us over the past three-plus years,” Hill added, capturing the spirit of the rally that echoed with a sense of urgency and restoration.
Long Island is not NYC! Long Island where I live is Trump country!! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/9A7n2zwgCl
— I love 45-47 (@gr8tfulgirl63) September 18, 2024
Trump himself leaned into this narrative, suggesting that his survival was indeed part of a divine plan. As reported by The Post, the former president recounted how he had been saved by God not once, but twice, attributing his continued political life to a higher purpose: “God has now spared my life — it must have been God, thank you — not once but twice,” Trump declared. His reference to divine protection only solidified his position among supporters as a leader destined to guide America through turbulent times, particularly in the face of what they see as destructive policies from the current administration.
The former president also delved into specifics about the most recent attempt on his life, which occurred within the past two months. He described how a “violent radical-left mobster” came dangerously close to taking his life. As Trump told the crowd, “This evil would-be assassin got within a few — 100 yards of where I stood.” Fortunately, he noted that a Secret Service agent spotted the individual’s rifle before any harm could occur. Trump lauded the Secret Service, calling them “outstanding” for their quick actions. “Can you believe that?” he asked, emphasizing the proximity of the threat. According to The Post report, his dramatic retelling only heightened the sense of danger that Trump and his supporters believe he faces from his political enemies.
Beyond the immediate danger to his life, Trump wasted no time in pivoting the conversation to his broader political message, focusing on the damage he claims the Biden administration has caused over the past three years. Rallygoers echoed their fears about the state of the country, but they also expressed concerns about the upcoming election, particularly regarding the Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris. According to The Post, many attendees voiced anxiety about Harris potentially winning the election. Trump took this opportunity to criticize Harris for her past policy positions, which he framed as dangerously radical.
During the rally, Trump slammed Harris for controversial stances she held during her 2019 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. He reminded the audience of Harris’ support for banning fracking for oil and natural gas, a move that would severely impact the energy sector. He also pointed out her advocacy for abolishing private health insurance, which would drastically alter the healthcare system, and her backing of free sex changes for jailed illegal immigrants. According to The Post, Trump’s criticism of Harris was not only a reflection of her policies but also a broader indictment of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. By highlighting these positions, Trump sought to rally voters who are concerned about what they see as the extreme leftward shift of the Democratic Party under Harris’ leadership.
“The fact is I’m not a threat to Democracy – they are,” Trump said tonight at rally on Long Island New York. He added, “god must have spared his life, it must have been not once but twice…We’re going to bring back religion into this country.”
Here’s Trump coming out to the 16k… pic.twitter.com/K3Ej34KTCG
— Bryan Llenas (@BryanLlenas) September 19, 2024
Trump also addressed the Teamsters union, which had typically backed Democrats for decades but broke tradition to support his candidacy. According to The Post, Trump boasted about the union’s latest poll, which revealed that nearly 60% of its rank-and-file members supported him over Harris. “I was honored to receive the endorsement of the rank and file membership of the Teamsters. I love the Teamsters,” Trump said, highlighting the shift in union loyalty as a sign of broader dissatisfaction with Harris’ policies.
Trump emphasized the historical significance of the Teamsters’ support, noting that their endorsement of Democrats had been “automatic” for many decades. However, he claimed that this time, the union’s members had rejected Harris outright. “They looked at Harris, they said, ‘We’re not going there, I’m sorry.’ These are tough people,” Trump explained, underscoring the idea that even traditionally Democratic voters were beginning to shift their support to him. As The Pos report noted, Trump’s rhetoric around the endorsement is a clear attempt to frame his candidacy as one appealing to working-class voters, a demographic that has historically been pivotal in swing states.
During the rally, Trump also took the opportunity to criticize Harris’ performance on several critical issues, particularly focusing on her handling of the US-Mexico border crisis. The Post highlighted how Trump used this moment to contrast his border policies with Harris’, blaming her for what he described as a porous border that allowed unchecked immigration.
Yet, amidst these serious critiques, Trump also injected humor into his speech by admitting that he hadn’t read his wife Melania Trump’s upcoming memoir, titled Melania. “I’ve been so busy,” he confessed to the crowd. In a playful remark, he joked, “If she says bad things about me, I’ll call you all up and I’ll say, ‘Don’t buy it.’” His humor provided a momentary lighthearted break from the otherwise sharp political commentary.
Looking beyond the rally, Trump announced his upcoming visits to Aurora, Colorado, and Springfield, Ohio — two areas facing immigration-related challenges. In Aurora, he said Venezuelan gang members were intimidating local residents, while in Springfield, he highlighted the arrival of large numbers of Haitian migrants.
Amidst the rally’s energy, Trump addressed the state of the race itself. Polls show him in a tight contest against Harris, both nationally and in key battleground states. Trump, however, expressed his belief that his lead should be much larger. “We should be 35 up, to be honest with you,” he remarked, a sentiment that resonated with his supporters who have long viewed his policies as superior to the current administration’s. As reported by The Post, Trump also shared a recent survey showing him ahead by 5% nationally, though he lamented that some voters are resistant to change, quipping, “Some people can’t break an old habit.”
Throughout the rally, Trump made it clear that his campaign is geared toward undoing the damage caused by the Biden-Harris administration. His sharp criticisms of Harris, combined with his celebration of the Teamsters’ endorsement, painted a picture of a candidate positioning himself as the voice of working Americans. According to The Post, Trump’s strategy is to consolidate support from key voter blocs, such as union members, while continuing to attack Harris on the national stage.
