SUNRISE, Fla. — It's been said before about many states, and now it's our turn: "As Florida goes, so does the nation."
President Donald Trump hopes a Tuesday "Keep America Great" rally will help persuade enough voters to his side by Election Day 2020. Much like voters did in 2016, placing Florida in his "win" column.
It starts at 7 p.m. at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla., with tickets available on the campaign's website.
Charles Zelden, a professor of history and political science at Nova Southeastern University, told WFOR-TV Trump must win Florida and its 29 electoral votes to win a second term as president.
His rally in the largely Democratic Broward County might be part of the playbook, Zelden predicts. Trump appears poised to try and minimize any losses in South Florida and turn out Republican supporters elsewhere.
"If he can get every South Florida Republican to vote for him, it means with the other votes around the state, he can win," Zelden said. "If they don’t show up to vote in South Florida, it may not be enough."
The campaign also is expected to host "45 Fest" at 10 a.m. outside the arena, with live music, food trucks and a voter registration drive.
With Trump recently changing his residency to Florida, the rally is being called a "homecoming" event, with an "unprecedented" crowd expected to show up, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Protestors are anticipated, as well, with the Baby Trump balloon in tow.
"We plan to send a message to Trump - Florida is tired of being hurt by his broken promises," Florida Democratic Party Chair Terrie Rizzo said in a statement. "This isn’t a homecoming rally, this is a retirement party."
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