President Trump campaigns with Bruce Blakeman as he looks to boost Republicans ahead of midterms
President Trump headed to Long Island Friday to campaign with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, whom he has endorsed for governor of New York.
Mr. Trump was greeted by hundreds of well-wishers inside Nassau County's Mack Center for Training and Intelligence as he touted a national drop in violent crime.
"Hochul and the radical left stand with the gang members, child predators, violent felons. We stand with hard-working New Yorkers," he said.
Trump's message was "Make America Safe Again" under Blakeman.
"Thank you, President Trump, and God bless you for everything you do," Blakeman said. "We appreciate you. Keep going!"
A free speech area for protesters was set up across from Nassau Community College.
"New Yorkers do not want any part of their hateful agenda," said Adrienne Adams, Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor.
"We don't want a war in Iran. We don't want high gas prices. We don't want unaffordability with regard to housing," community leader Fred Brewington said.
"We are here representing hundreds of people who feel the same way, who can't afford the basics," New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said.
The president is looking to boost Republicans in battleground races ahead of the November midterms, but his critics are saying his presence may do more harm than good, as his ratings show lagging approval.
"Having Trump coming in says to those voters, 'Hey, this is my guy," said Lawrence Levy, dean of Hofstra National Center for Suburban Studies. "By the same token, Trump's very low approval rating is a millstone around Blakeman's neck."
"If it's going to bring some form of aid to the county, I'm all for it," one person said.
"It's very good to have an endorsement by Trump, especially in Nassau County," one Long Island resident said.
Meanwhile, road closures and disruptions lasted hours through Uniondale, Mineola and Garden City.
"We have a tremendous amount of police presence. We are working very closely with the Secret Service to make sure that this is a safe event for everybody, not just the president, but all those who are attending and everybody who lives or works in the surrounding area," Blakeman said ahead of the event.
