At California Republican event, it's former President Donald Trump who stars

Three presidential candidates spoke to Republicans in Orange County on Friday — but the day’s events felt more like a rally for former President Donald Trump.

“You are the last line of defense standing between this state and total anarchy,” Trump said to those gathered at the Anaheim Marriott to hear him speak on the opening day of the convention. “Help is on the way.” Also speaking Friday was Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina for a Q&A-style appearance with CAGOP Chair Jessica Millan Patterson.

And that party, if the first day of the fall convention is any indication, is one where voters are unwaveringly supportive of Trump, despite his legal troubles. Trump’s crowd didn’t seem to mind. It diligently booed whenever the former president mentioned a Democrat and laughed at his sarcastic remarks about electric vehicles. His line that drew the biggest reaction, however, dealt with crime:

Trump drew some of the loudest cheers and jeers when he made fun of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband or the appearance of Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Los Angeles.Both DeSantis and Trump took specific aim at California’s policies regarding electric vehicles. The Florida governor called legislation that incentivizes people to purchase electric versus gas-powered cars “draconian mandates,” arguing that the nation’s power grid could be overloaded if more people choose electric.

But she acknowledged he’s not polling as strong as Trump: “He’s a little ways from Trump. If he doesn’t make it this time, I don’t know if I’m going to be around for the next one, but I would vote for him. Look at the success he’s had in Florida.”On Friday morning, throngs of Trump supporters lined the intersections outside the Anaheim Marriott, home of the convention, many of them wearing red, white and blue and waving “Make America Great Again” flags.

Deborah Cunningham-Skurnik, who lives in Mission Viejo, said she’s fearful of hate that she sees from Trump’s base. She says Orange County is a lot more “blue” now than when she first knocked on doors during the 1988 presidential campaign.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

At California Republican event, it’s former President Donald Trump who starsSen. Tim Scott draws a smaller crowd for a quick speech. And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis rallies voters after a long day.
Source: ladailynews - 🏆 332. / 59 Read more »

Photos: Trump, supporters descend on Anaheim for GOP conventionFormer President Trump is set to speak at the California Republican Party Fall Convention in Anaheim.
Source: latimes - 🏆 11. / 82 Read more »

Republican candidates criticize former President Donald Trump at GOP debateThe Republican candidates running for president are beginning to spend more time criticizing the front-runner, former president Donald Trump. NBC 5’s political reporter Phil Prazan explores what happened at Wednesday’s GOP debate.
Source: NBCDFW - 🏆 288. / 63 Read more »

2024 rivals Trump, DeSantis to court Republican activists in CaliforniaPresidential rivals Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis will court Republicans on Friday in California, a glittering prize in the race for the party's 2024 nomination and home to many wealthy donors.
Source: Reuters - 🏆 2. / 97 Read more »

Trump looks to set up a California primary victory with a personal pitch to Republican activistsDonald Trump is set to make a personal pitch to California Republicans in a bid to solidify his support in a GOP presidential contest he has dominated for months
Source: WOKVNews - 🏆 247. / 63 Read more »

Trump looks to set up a California primary win with a speech to Republican activistsDonald Trump is set to make a personal pitch to California Republicans in a bid to solidify his support in a GOP presidential contest he has dominated for months.
Source: AP - 🏆 728. / 51 Read more »