In a display of resilience and enthusiasm, an event permitted for 3,500 saw reports estimating attendance from below 8,000 to over 20,000 individuals, who braved the elements on May 23 to congregate at Crotona Park in the South Bronx. Their mission: to attend a rally hosted by former President and current presidential candidate Donald J. Trump, orchestrated by the New York Young Republican Club.
Against the backdrop of unfavorable weather and the Bronx’s predominantly Democratic landscape, the event appeared poised for a challenging reception. However, to the surprise of critics and protesters, it emerged as a resounding success.
Within the tightly-guarded perimeter, the atmosphere was charged with patriotism and positivity. Volunteers distributed water, while American flags waved in abundance. Voter registration drives thrived amidst an excited crowd.
Outside the guarded area, an intense energy surrounded the rest of the park, where a large police presence maintained order among both supporters and protesters.
The mastermind behind this event, Gavin Wax, President of the New York Young Republican Club, shared his thoughts along with others in attendance. Here is what they had to say:
Gavin Wax, President of the New York Young Republican Club, “Look, I love this city. I believe President Trump loves this city as much as I do. I want to see it thrive again, and I think the Make America Great Again movement applies to all Americans, whether you’re in urban America, rural America, suburban America, the Bronx, Detroit, red states, or blue states.
It does not really matter. It is an uplifting message, bringing about peace, prosperity, security, and law and order. That applies to the South Bronx as much as it applies to any other red state. The fact that he is coming here, speaking to a traditionally non-Republican community and neighborhood, shows that he is looking to broaden the tent and expand the base, and we need more of that.
He is the only kind of guy who could pull this off. We have thousands of people here already, waiting for hours in the heat, even though it was raining earlier. We don’t even have seats, which shows there is a lot of love and commitment here, even in the Bronx, one of the bluest areas.
Historically, when you had Reagan or Carter here, it was a disaster. I think this is going to be a huge success and will demonstrate that history is being made.”
Svetlana Sinotova, “I was impressed by Trump’s charisma and his ability to captivate the audience anywhere. This time, it was in the Bronx, and it was a success again. I listened to his speech as if it was my first time. I was happy to hear the story about the snake again, which I first heard at the Gala Event in Cipriani in Manhattan. I think it teaches us all how to be wise.”
Brandon Castro, “I am happy to be collecting voter registration cards, talking to community members, helping out in the larger picture, and supporting Mr. Trump.”
Walter Mejia, President and Founder of New York Republican Latinos, “Latinos are coming to this country in millions, looking for the American dream. I am an immigrant, and my parents came pursuing that dream as well. What we are seeing today with the current administration is the elimination of that dream we came for, but President Trump is here to restore America and restore the American dream that we are pursuing as a community.”
Desiree Vanessa, “It was a very powerful rally, and I am happy to have seen the Bronx come together to make change.”
Patrick McManus, Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party, “It was a great day for the people of the Bronx, Mr. Trump, and his campaign. I cannot recall the last time any major party candidate for national office has taken the time to visit the people of the Bronx. I think it is a great step towards showing he can unify this country going forward.”
Yet, amid the triumph, a noticeable absence was evident—the lack of representation from local Bronx County Republican or Conservative parties, revealing a missed opportunity for local engagement, particularly concerning support for local candidates within the district.
However, as the rally demonstrated, Trump’s appeal surpasses conventional political boundaries, hinting at the possibility of future events within the Bronx and beyond. With a turnout exceeding expectations and drawing support from neighboring communities, the prospect of future rallies remains promising.
A successful Trump rally in the heart of the Bronx a few months ago may have been a laughing matter but no longer. This should serve as a wake-up call for both the people and the democratic leadership. Trump’s bold speech of flipping the Bronx and other parts of New York may no longer be dismissed as impossible. One thing is clear for him to achieve such a feat, it will require a reevaluation of ground-level support and strategic engagement with local communities.
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