Former President Donald Trump held a rally in Glendale, Arizona, on Aug. 23, 2024, where he reiterated his calls for a border wall, lamented the rise of illegal immigration, and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’ record on the issue. Surrounded by MAGA supporters chanting slogans and cheering in support of his vision for America, Trump’s rally unfolded with a distinctively conservative flavor.
Key Takeaways:**
- Trump’s rally in Glendale, Arizona, saw a slew of speakers pushing conservative agendas and criticizing the Biden administration.
- Speakers, including Kari Lake, touted Trump as the only solution to a perceived crisis, often invoking God and religious themes.
- The rally prominently featured claims about a "crisis" at the border, emphasizing fears of illegal immigration and the influence of cartels.
- Speakers like Charlie Kirk and Rep. Eli Crane capitalized on dissatisfaction with the current political landscape and called for increased conservative action.
- The event echoed concerns about the 2020 and 2022 elections, with speakers like Rep. Justin Heap making unsubstantiated claims about election integrity.
The "Save America" Rally: A Call for Conservative Action
The rally, billed as a "Save America" event, provided a platform for several prominent Arizona figures seeking to advance conservative values. It was a potent display of Republican unity, with speakers echoing Trump’s signature themes of border security, "fake news," and distrust in the established political order.
Kari Lake: A Voice for “Extremism?”
Arizona’s GOP candidate for the US Senate, Kari Lake, addressed the crowd just before Trump. She painted a bleak picture of America under President Biden, declaring the nation needs to be saved from a “thousand years of darkness.” In her speech, she echoed a common refrain among some Trump supporters by denying any evidence of voter fraud in the 2020 and 2022 elections, despite legal challenges against Arizona’s Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs being dismissed.
Lake further fueled sentiments about immigration, proclaiming that she would help drive out the “15 or 16 million” immigrants who entered the country under the Biden administration. However, this claim about the influx of immigrants has been debunked by immigration experts, including those from conservative organizations. During her address, Lake also targeted her Democratic rival, Congressman Ruben Gallego, accusing him of being a “radical” and expressing concern about his policies.
Justin Heap: A Focus on Election Integrity
Rep. Justin Heap, the GOP nominee for Maricopa County Recorder, amplified the theme of election integrity by claiming to be a “fearless defender” of free and fair elections. He portrayed himself as a champion against “election problems” and asserted that many voters believe something is amiss. This emphasis on election integrity resonates with the ongoing debate surrounding the 2020 election, with some GOP members expressing concerns about potential fraud.
Heap also took a jab at Kamala Harris, echoing Trump’s unsubstantiated claim that Harris’ campaign used fake images to inflate the size of her crowds. This criticism, although not substantiated with evidence, tapped into the ongoing skepticism surrounding Harris and the Democratic Party, reflecting a broader political divide.
Charlie Kirk: Fueling the Conservative Movement
Charlie Kirk, founder and president of Turning Point USA, further amplified the concerns about election integrity. He claimed that "half of all the machines failed" in Arizona’s 2022 election. This assertion, like many made by Kirk and other speakers, was absent of any verifiable evidence but served to ignite a sense of doubt about the electoral process among the audience.
Kirk’s portrayal of the crowd as “part of the most exciting, diverse, powerful movement in the history of this country” resonated with the attendees’ sense of belonging to a collective force striving for change. His speech, interspersed with strong anti-establishment sentiments, emphasized the conservative movement’s desire to dismantle perceived political and institutional barriers.
Eli Crane and Abe Hamadeh: Advocating for “Reinforcements”
U.S. Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., emphasized his role in ousting Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. This act, he claimed, signified his commitment to representing the conservative agenda. His call for "reinforcements" in Congress highlighted the Republican Party’s focus on strengthening its majority.
Abe Hamadeh, the GOP primary winner for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, further emphasized the issue of illegal immigration. His speech tapped into the anxieties surrounding border security and the growing influence of cartels, resonating with audience members concerned about the perceived threat posed by these organizations. Hamadeh’s call to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations resonated with the right’s focus on law and order, as well as its concern over drugs like fentanyl.
A Touch of Religious Zeal
The rally incorporated religious themes, with speakers praising Trump’s escape from an alleged assassination attempt in Pennsylvania as a "miracle." Bob Unanue, CEO of Goya, asserted that "the hand of God" protected Trump, underscoring the religious sentiments within Trump’s base. This religious framework further solidified Trump’s image as a chosen leader, bolstering his reputation within conservative communities.
A Stage for Conservative Unity
The rally showcased the strong appeal Trump still holds within the Republican Party. It served as a platform for prominent conservative figures to amplify their voices and call for a more conservative future. The underlying message of unity and action resonated with a dedicated audience hungry for change. The event underscores the ongoing struggle within American politics, revealing Trump’s enduring influence and his relentless attempts to shape the political landscape.
