US Electoral 2016 Updates: Trump Urges Evangelicals to Support Him
Trump speaks in front of hundreds of pastors and families; leaders say that this was his best speeches yet as he captures the interest of a religious group.
In a speech he made before the evangelical Christians in Orlando, Republican nominee Donald Trump said that he wants the group to support him. He urged the group that his win will be crucial to the success of their movement.
Trump vs. Mitt Romney
Trump included in his speech a comparison of himself and Mitt Romney, the group's nominee in 2012. Romney would have become America's first Mormon leader if he won the previous presidential bid. Trump also mentioned that Romney's faith failed to call evangelicals. He specifically said that the religion "didn't get out and vote" for whatever reason for the former governor.
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Trump vs. Clinton
Trump did not leave the podium without attacking Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Trump said that Clinton and President Obama were actually co-founders of ISIS because of their policies and ties to the Middle East. Clinton has been leading the polls lately, but Trump said that he has no plans to change his campaign. He was advised, even by heads in his own party, that picking fights could cost him the election.
Asks support for his problem in Utah
Trump mentioned in his speech about his problem in getting the votes of the country's only state where the majority are Mormons. He asked them to support him in his problem in Utah. He told the audience, who were mostly composed of powerful leaders hosted by the American Renewal Project, that they have a chance to make a huge change this fall. He told them to ensure that their people will go out and vote.
Clinton is slowly nearing Trump in Utah. Apparently, his bold campaign style has turned off a majority of Mormons in the state. This was seen earlier as Trump lost to Ted Cruz in Utah Republican causes at the GOP primaries.
Trump's subdued speech
Trump spoke to a crowd composed of 700 pastors and their families. His speech lasted for 40 minutes and was in a subdued tone compared to his other speeches in the past. Trump drew a standing ovation as well as shouts of amen from the crowd. Even the NY real estate investor promised to restore church life in the state.
Trump stayed away from social issues and theology in his speech and he offered a simple way to bring back the power of faith. He mentioned about repealing a federal rule that reduces the ability of churches and other tax-exempted groups to take part in electoral politics. He also said that he will get their voice back.
Trump's Orlando performance hailed
David Lane, founder of American Renewal Organization, was one of the many pastors that hailed Trump's performance in Orlando. Lane will start an $18-million plan to mobilize evangelical voters in other states to support the Republican nominee.
Lane commented positively on Trump's practical approach. He said that this was not Trump's natural constituency, but he managed to impress the audience.
Trump said on stage that he would do his job well because it's "probably, maybe the only way, I'm going to get to heaven."
