Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich outlined on Wednesday why he believes former President Donald Trump has a real opportunity to flip New York, a traditionally Democratic stronghold, in the upcoming election.
Speaking on “The Ingraham Angle,” Gingrich and host Laura Ingraham discussed Trump’s recent rally on Long Island. According to Gingrich, Trump sees New York as a crucial opportunity for change, particularly given the widespread dissatisfaction with the current Democratic leadership in the state.
Gingrich explained that Trump’s belief in carrying New York stems from several factors, including corruption, failed liberal policies, and the negative impact of illegal immigration and rising crime. He also pointed to the ongoing scandal involving New York City’s mayor, which he said is hurting Democrats at a critical time.
“First of all, I think he believes he has a real chance to carry New York because of the corruption, because of the lack[sic] of liberal policies, and because of the impact of all those millions of illegal immigrants and the crime that has followed,” Gingrich said.
He also compared Trump to former President Ronald Reagan, noting that after Reagan survived an assassination attempt, he spoke with Pope John Paul II about their shared sense of divine purpose. Gingrich suggested Trump may now feel a similar sense of mission after surviving an attack at Butler, which narrowly missed killing him.
“They had both been shot and they had both survived and they talked about what did God intend for them,” Gingrich said. “And I think my guess is that President Trump now has a deeper sense of a mission and a deeper sense of having to do what’s right for America because it’s providential that he’s still here.”
Trump’s deep connection to New York, where he spent much of his life, plays a significant role in his drive to win the state, Gingrich added.
“He loves the state. He loves the city. He spent most of his life there. I think he has a very deep, deep affection for New York, both in the city and across the whole state.”
Gingrich emphasized that Trump views this moment as a unique opportunity for a major political shift in a state that has long been dominated by Democrats.
“There’s an opportunity here for extraordinary change and Trump thinks he can deliver it,” Gingrich said.
Despite New York’s reputation as a Democratic stronghold, Trump has repeatedly expressed optimism about his chances of winning both New York and neighboring New Jersey in the 2024 election. According to a July poll, Trump trailed President Joe Biden by only 7.5 percentage points in New York, with 40% support to Biden’s 47.5%. The last Republican presidential candidate to carry New York was Ronald Reagan, who won the state in 1980 and 1984.
Trump’s rally on Long Island took place with 48 days remaining before the election, as reported by NewsNation.
