Trump’s Optimism on Voter Turnout in Hurricane-Ravaged South

Former President Donald Trump expressed confidence that his supporters in storm-affected areas, particularly North Carolina, will vote on Election Day, stating they would do so “even if they have to crawl.” He criticized the federal response to Hurricane Helene while highlighting efforts to ensure voter access in the wake of the disaster.

Former President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that his supporters in the South, specifically those affected by Hurricane Helene, will make it to the polls on Election Day, asserting they would do so “even if they have to crawl.” In an interview with Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham, Trump acknowledged the severe impact of the hurricane on Republican-leaning regions, noting the tragic reality of loss of life and destruction. “Many people are dead. They do not even know what it is going to be in terms of the number … hundreds are missing,” he remarked. Despite the havoc wrought by the hurricane, particularly in key battleground states like North Carolina, Trump remained optimistic, stating that he does not believe the disaster’s consequences will deter his supporters from voting. He remarked, “I believe they are going to go out and vote if they have to crawl to a voting booth.” Trump highlighted the efforts of his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, who is part of a coalition focused on ensuring voters can reach the polls despite the challenging circumstances. “Lara is working on it. Other people are working on it, and we are trying to make it convenient for them – but they just lost their house,” he elaborated. The former president took a moment to critique the federal response to Hurricane Helene under the Biden administration, arguing that the inadequate management of the situation could politically favor him in the South. Trump pointed out, “[W]e are doing very well in certain areas that we weren’t expected to do – Virginia, we are doing well. We are doing well all over.” In contrast, President Biden has asserted that the federal response has been “robust.” Trump, however, challenged this statement based on his observations during his visits to affected areas, stating, “He does not know what robust is. He should be there. And [Vice President Kamala Harris] should be there. She should not be at fundraisers.” Trump described a serious need for assistance in North Carolina, citing a lack of support on the ground. “I was in North Carolina yesterday … they do not have the people, and they are complaining there are no people around to help,” he claimed. Current polling indicates a tight race, with Trump leading Harris by less than a percentage point in North Carolina, and a 1.5-point lead in Georgia.

The article discusses former President Donald Trump’s optimism regarding voter turnout among his supporters in the wake of Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 hurricane that made landfall on September 26. The hurricane significantly affected various regions in the South, particularly North Carolina, a critical swing state. Trump’s comments reflect his belief that the devastation caused by the storm would not dissuade his supporters from participating in the upcoming elections, despite the unfortunate impacts of the disaster. This perspective is also tied to broader concerns regarding the Biden administration’s response to the hurricane and how it may influence voter sentiment in the affected areas as Trump campaigns for the 2024 presidential election.

In summary, former President Donald Trump’s remarks underline his belief in the resilience of his supporters in the South, particularly those impacted by Hurricane Helene, asserting that they will vote despite significant hardships. His critique of the current administration’s handling of disaster response may serve to galvanize his base, as evidenced by polling in key battleground states. Overall, Trump’s focus is on mobilizing voter turnout amid challenges, emphasizing the efforts being made to assist affected individuals in reaching the polls.

Original Source: nypost.com