Kamala Harris calls Donald Trump’s New York rally divisive

Phil McCausland
Reporting from New York

As we continue listening to Trump’s speech, let’s back up for a second and talk about why he is holding a rally here in New York – a safe state for Democrats that Trump is almost certainly going to lose on Election Day. In 2020, Biden outpaced him by more than 50 points.

There are a few points to consider.

First, this is really a fundraiser and Trump needs cash. The Harris campaign has pulled in more than $1bn, freeing it from having to put out its hat to donors. Trump hasn’t quite gotten there, but he’s selling tickets today for the “Ultra Maga Experience” at Madison Square Garden for $1m a pop.

It’s unclear what that tickets gets you, but its sale will certainly help Trump buy some TV ads in the final days of the election.

Second, he’s helping other Republican candidates who are vying for House seats in New York. Republicans had great success in a handful of key swing districts here, and it arguably helped them obtain control of the House – which helped stymie Biden’s policy efforts.

Lastly, this is where Trump is from, he has Trump Tower here, and his entire persona is tied to this city. I don’t think it has ever sat well with him how people in New York City have received him or his politics. This is a good way for him to thumb his nose at them.