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Trump rallies in New Mexico in hopes of turning state red in 2020

Trump demands resignation of NYT staffers
President Trump demands resignation of New York Times staffers after new Kavanaugh misconduct claims 02:31

President Trump rallied supporters Monday night in New Mexico — a state he lost to Hillary Clinton by eight points in 2016. The Trump campaign is targeting some unexpected states like New Mexico ahead of 2020, with the hopes of besting a Democratic candidate he can portray as too far left for the American mainstream.

"It's been quite a while since a Republican won this state," Mr. Trump told supporters, who greeted him with chants of "USA, USA." ''I think we're going to do great here. We're here because we really think we're going to turn this state and make it a Republican state."

The president's rally in Rio Rancho, in suburban Albuquerque, is the first stop on a three-day swing that will also take him to California for fundraisers expected to raise more than $15 million.

Donald Trump — New Mexico
President Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at the Santa Ana Star Center, Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, in Albuquerque, N.M. AP

Mr. Trump's efforts in New Mexico will provide a test of how well his often-harsh rhetoric about immigrants will play with Hispanic voters, who comprise nearly 40% of New Mexico's electorate. The president also touted his efforts to build the U.S.-Mexico border wall, saying Monday that his administration plans to have almost 500 miles of it built by the end of 2020.

"You're gonna have to really want to get over that wall to do it," he said.

New Mexico is in the midst of an oil production boom that has boosted employment and spurred a state government spending spree from first-year Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on public education, roadway projects and tax rebates for film productions.

The Green New Deal calls for virtual elimination by 2030 of greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming and meeting 100% of U.S. power demand through renewable and zero-emission energy sources, including nuclear power. The proposal has broad support among Democratic activists and 2020 presidential contenders, putting it at the forefront of the party's sprawling presidential primary.

As Mr. Trump eyes other events, including a fundraiser in San Francisco, tensions in the Middle East are at dangerous levels following drone attacks over the weekend that struck the world's biggest oil processing facility and an oil field in Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration is placing blame on Iran.

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