President Trump held a rally in the Bronx, New York, aiming to attract black and Hispanic voters away from Joe Biden, a move that could impact the upcoming election. The rally took place in Crotona Park, a neighborhood where minorities make up the majority of the population, with 59% Hispanic and 35% black residents.
Top Democrats from the Bronx and New York State criticized Trump for holding the rally in Crotona Park, stating that he should apologize for the harm he has caused. Despite the backlash, Trump sees an opportunity to sway minority voters, as recent analysis shows a shift in voter preferences in the area.
The precinct around Crotona Park, traditionally a Democratic stronghold, witnessed a decrease in Democratic margins from 94 to 69 percentage points in the 2020 election. Additionally, a new poll revealed that close to 30% of black voters expressed willingness to vote for Trump, a significant increase from the 12% he received in 2020.
In response, the Biden campaign launched an ad highlighting Trump's past controversial remarks and actions towards black communities, aiming to counter Trump's appeal to minority voters. The Trump campaign, on the other hand, accused Biden of attempting to manipulate black voters.
Despite New York historically leaning Democratic, Trump's campaign believes there is a chance to win over minority voters and potentially make the state competitive. Trump's visit to the Bronx, although met with mixed reactions from residents, underscores his efforts to engage with diverse communities and address issues such as infrastructure and job creation.
While some Bronx residents expressed disapproval of Trump's presence, others who voted for Biden in 2020 mentioned considering Trump as an alternative due to economic concerns. Trump's strategic focus on minority voters and key issues resonating with New York residents reflects his campaign's determination to broaden its support base and potentially impact the election outcome.