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Edited by: Fern Sidman
Former President Donald J. Trump announced plans to hold a rally at Madison Square Garden this month as part of his campaign’s efforts to gain traction in largely Democratic states. During a rally in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, Trump revealed, “We just rented Madison Square Garden,” a statement that drew cheers from the crowd. He emphasized that his campaign intends to “make a play for New York,” despite the state’s strong Democratic voting history. The New York Times noted that Trump’s ambition to swing New York red is a bold move, with few polls indicating that the state is likely to flip.
New York, particularly Manhattan, has been a Democratic stronghold for decades. As The New York Times highlighted, Manhattan is one of the most reliably Democratic counties in the country, and no Republican presidential candidate has won there in over a century. The last Republican to carry New York State was Ronald Reagan during his landslide re-election in 1984. Nonetheless, Trump remains confident, continuing to assert that the state is in play, defying polling data that suggests otherwise.
Trump says the crowds are so big that he’s going to host rallies at MSG, and other arenas like New Jersey and Atlanta.
Says those states are in play.
The internal polls must be showing Kamala tanking, as they should.She’s the worst candidate in presidential history.
Save… pic.twitter.com/2lH49MbRnw
— Petey B (@realpeteyb123) October 11, 2024
While a specific date for the rally has not yet been officially confirmed by Trump’s campaign, The New York Post reported that it is slated for October 27, less than two weeks before Election Day. Madison Square Garden, home to the New York Knicks and Rangers, can accommodate around 20,000 people, depending on the configuration. As The New York Times pointed out, this would be the first time the iconic venue hosts a presidential candidate during this election cycle, marking a significant moment in Trump’s ongoing campaign.
In his Scranton speech, Trump also mentioned plans to rally in other large arenas, including venues in New Jersey and Atlanta. He specifically mentioned the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, which are capable of holding similarly large crowds. “We’re doing arenas because the crowds are so big,” Trump explained, emphasizing his focus on large-scale events.
The New York Times noted a notable contrast between Trump’s rally locations and those of his competitors. While Vice President Kamala Harris has primarily focused on swing states, Trump has held rallies in states and regions that are not typically considered battlegrounds. Earlier this year, Trump held rallies in New Jersey, Montana, and parts of New York, including the South Bronx and Long Island, regions not typically associated with Republican dominance. His strategy appears to be aimed at expanding his base beyond traditional Republican areas, focusing on energizing supporters even in deep blue regions.
Trump’s decision to rally at Madison Square Garden underscores his campaign’s larger-than-life approach, betting on his ability to draw crowds and energize voters in states that have long been out of reach for Republican presidential candidates. Whether this gamble will pay off remains to be seen, but as The New York Times highlights, Trump’s campaign is determined to make an impact in even the most Democratic-leaning areas.
