Trump Unloads Brutal Truth On Democrats' Crime Record In NC
President Donald Trump took the stage Wednesday in Gastonia, North Carolina, to campaign for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley. The president leaned heavily on law and order themes during his hourlong speech at an airport rally. He told the crowd that Democrats coddle criminals and displayed graphic details of violent crimes. An oversize video screen showed mug shots of unnamed criminal suspects to drive the point home. Trump said voters must choose between setting loose rapists and murderers or protecting their families.
This visit marks Trump's third trip to the state since December to support Whatley's campaign. The North Carolina seat is currently held by Republican Thom Tillis, a critic of Trump who is retiring. Democrats need to net four seats in November to capture the Senate majority. Trump's appearance comes as polls show Whatley trailing former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper by 11 percentage points.
Michael Whatley has repeatedly attacked Cooper for releasing violent felons from prison under his watch. In August, Whatley told Breitbart News that Cooper has "blood on his hands". He argued that Cooper let the worst offenders out because he did not want them to get COVID. He noted that Cooper has never offered an explanation for releasing these criminals.
Trump joined the attack by telling the crowd, "You can either vote for Roy Cooper to set loose criminals who rape and murder your children and your population, or you can vote for Michael Whatley to protect and defend your children and your population," Trump said. Todd Blanche, the U.S. attorney general, also spoke at the rally before Trump. His presence breaks from tradition, as the attorney general usually avoids partisan political events.
While crime is a major theme, economic pain is hitting the state hard and could impact the race. Doug Heye, a Republican strategist, said the number one thing people discuss is what they just spent. He noted that voters are talking about costs at the gas station or grocery store. Dr. Susan Roberts, a political science professor at Davidson College, says most voters will consider the cost of living when deciding who to vote for. She believes the race is a referendum on the economy rather than just on Trump.
Whatley's campaign has an uphill climb as the Cook Political Report rates the seat as "leans Democrat". Both sides fighting for control have seen millions in cash poured into the race. Since 2008, North Carolina hasn't elected a Democrat to the Senate, yet Trump won the state in the past three presidential elections. The final outcome remains uncertain as voters weigh crime records against rising prices.