Trump Urges Voters to 'Pretend' He's on Ballot in North Carolina Rally
Former President Donald Trump made a campaign stop in Greenville, North Carolina, to energize Republican support ahead of the November midterm elections.
President Donald Trump visited Greenville, North Carolina, on Tuesday night to rally support for Republican candidates in the crucial final weeks before the midterm elections. This appearance is part of a broader campaign tour across multiple states, including South Carolina, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas.
During his remarks, Trump reiterated his strategy of encouraging voters to imagine him on the ballot. "Because when I'm on the ballot, we do unbelievably," Trump told the crowd. "Please pretend I'm on a ballot. And in a way, I am on the ballot. And I think we're going to do great, I just feel it."
This was Trump's second visit to North Carolina in less than a month. The rally focused on bolstering support for Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley, the former chairman of the Republican National Committee. Whatley is currently trailing Democratic nominee and former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper in the race to succeed outgoing Republican Senator Thom Tillis.
Recent polls indicate Cooper holds a significant lead over Whatley, and Cooper's campaign has also substantially out-raised Whatley's. This advantage has led top Republican super PACs and fundraising groups to pause their advertising spending in the state. A victory for Cooper would mark the first time a Democrat has won a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina since 2008.
Despite the challenges, Trump expressed confidence in his ability to influence the election outcome. He also announced plans to visit North Carolina a third time before Election Day to campaign for Republicans. Voter turnout in North Carolina has shown a marked increase, with figures up 37 percent compared to the same point in the 2022 midterms and also exceeding 2018 levels.
