ANAHEIM, Calif. — After his second absence from the debate stage this primary season, Trump is making an appearance at the California Republican Convention in Anaheim.
The former president is taking center stage today for a keynote speech, followed by speaker events from GOP candidates Tim Scott and Ron DeSantis.
The convention schedule is packed and Annenberg Media is on the scene in Anaheim.
9:15 p.m. The last bottle of red is poured. And spirits are high
Trump was the headline event today, which is no surprise given his celebrity status, his success in the polls and the tangible excitement exuding from his fanbase today. DeSantis nonetheless attracted passionate supporters and is maintaining a healthy runner-up status. Tim Scott, lauded by pundits as a favorite from Wednesday’s debate, lost out while bookended between two events that cut into both his time and attention from convention attendees.
One thing is certain — there is a long race ahead, and the conversations had today are far from over.
8:32 p.m. A final standing ovation: DeSantis says goodnight
DeSantis concluded his speech with some remarks about what it means for a politician to “stand up for what’s right.”
“That is not cost free,” he said, adding that the left and the media will come after you.
Having not seen any protestors out for him today, DeSantis said he felt disappointed.
His final message was that he wanted to spend the next year and a half bringing a message of hope, both to places in the “deep red” and in the “heart of San Francisco.” He was quite clear in saying, “I’m not backing down.”
8:29 p.m. In the not too distant yonder
DeSantis shared with the crowd a favorite flight path of his — a route into DC — which allowed him to see “sweeping, up-close views of the Lincoln Memorial.” As the plane flew over the glistening water, he said that he could see, “perched on the top of the hill, in the not too distant yonder, the beautiful Capitol Building.”
DeSantis’ descriptive language stands in stark contrast with Trump’s brief, broad and commandeering statements made earlier in the day. Tonight, DeSantis is in the business of storytelling.
Summarizing his point, DeSantis said that a country may have the world’s best Constitution, but “these things do not run on autopilot.” Americans must still “stand up and defend freedom,” he said.
8:21 p.m. In 10 years, DeSantis wants to look into the camera and say…
The Governor’s crystal ball projects six future successes for the nation.
“One, we want to say that we have restored the American dream in this country,” he said.
Next, he said he wants to reclaim sovereignty in America by restoring the Southern border. DeSantis said he will “use deadly force against the Mexican drug cartels.”
“It’s time we leave them stone cold dead at the borders,” he said. The Florida governor lauded his state’s decline in overdose deaths.
He stressed American defense against “communist China.”
DeSantis expanded on the “parental right” debate that has become central to partisan politics. He pledged, as president, schools will “no longer [be] indoctrinating our kids.”
He emphasized criminal accountability. “From coast to coast, we are a country where criminals are held responsible for their conducts and the inmates are no longer running the asylum,” he said.
Lastly, the governor pledged to “restore the original understanding of our constitution” and return to a limited government. “We will have restored this government to its rightful owners: we the American people,” he said.
DeSantis expressed disdain for bureaucratic agencies like the Department of Justice, FBI and IRS. “They can’t even tell you how cocaine got into the White House,” he added.
8:17 p.m. Social credit and cryptocurrency
A social credit system is something that DeSantis strongly opposes; he told the crowd that as governor he has eliminated the use of social credit scores in financing.
He also said that central banks want to eliminate cash and crypto, making “central bank digital currency” the only way to engage in the economy. “It’s a wolf showing up as a wolf,” said DeSantis.
8:14 p.m. Law and order
DeSantis claimed that elected officials in California funded by George Soros “decide that they are progressive” and “let the inmates run the asylum,” which he says puts communities at risk. He shared an anecdote of having met “six or seven” Californians who had been mugged.
Soros funded officials in Florida, he said, conversely were removed from their posts by DeSantis.
DeSantis also said that “when BLM was ransacking cities,” he “ensured law and order.” He credited government actions like this as contributing to Florida’s 50-year crime low.
8:10 p.m. Florida as a model for nationwide education
DeSantis turned to his education policy. One thing was clear: Florida’s education system today is DeSantis’ national education system tomorrow.
Highlighting key policy points for many conservatives such as school choice and curriculum transparency, DeSantis hammered home that many of these policies are already in place in the state of Florida.
He cited several recent successes for the state, including that Florida was recently ranked #1 in the nation for education by the US News & World Report as the University of Florida moved up to #15 in national rankings by the WSJ.
DeSantis also slammed the pushback on “book bans,” which he refers to as a media and leftist phrase. “They’re trying to jam things like pornographic materials in front of kids,” he said. “In Florida, we put a stop to it.”
8:05 p.m. CA vs. FL
Despite DeSantis’ memories of the state, he stressed that his own state of Florida “represents a way to reverse the American decline.”
Just as “corporate media” are quick to trash Florida, said DeSantis, they are putting “lipstick on a pig” with regards to California, a state he called “the petri dish for American liberalism and American leftism.”
DeSantis also announced the upcoming debate between him and Gov. Newsom on Fox News Nov. 30, which he referred to as a “little tussle.”
8:00 p.m. DeSantis met with standing ovation
As GOP chairwoman Patterson introduced DeSantis, the ballroom erupted into applause. DeSantis launched into his speech reminiscing on fond memories of his time in California.
He told the crowd about the sensation of “having the freshness of the Pacific Ocean there hitting you” as he stepped off a C5 after returning from Iraq.
“I have very fond memories of California,” DeSantis said. He said that ever since he became governor of Florida, however, there has been a sea of California license plates in the state. The governor attributes this trend to a migration away from “failed blue states.”
7:07 p.m. The delegate perspective
Waiting for DeSantis’ banquet to kick off, Annenberg Media spoke to Jim Bieber, a Californian delegate for more than 20 years. He said that today’s CAGOP was unlike any he’s seen before: “The luncheon was the most wild thing that has ever appeared before the convention.”
The key differentiator this year was who was sitting in Trump’s audience, said Bieber. Rather than regular attendees, Bieber said the tables were filled by people who “coughed up 500 bucks to attend a lunch that turned into a rally.”
And, this year California would be seeing money come in from the convention rather than the other way around, said Bieber. He said that because the state is dominated by Democrats, usually candidates come to conventions and “suck out money.” But not this year.
4:21 p.m. Off the stage; onto a plane
After 20 minutes of air time, Scott leaves the stage in order to catch his flight on time. Trump’s lateness cut into the majority of Scott’s event.
Before leaving, Scott leaves the room with some closing remarks: that “turning off the craziness in the news is good for your soul,” and that “the average person in this country will go the extra mile for someone who will go the extra mile for themselves,” he said.
4:17 p.m. A parent’s bill of rights
Scott told Patterson that parents should have certain rights, listing five specifically:
- To know exactly what their kids are being exposed to in school
- To opt out of electives
- To know exactly what’s being discussed with “adults in the school system and their minor kids”
- “We don’t need CRT, we need ABC.” Scott says the “indoctrination” of students should be stopped.
- Only 14% of kids understand the rich, provocative history of the US, said Scott. “We have to get back to the basics. We are failing our kids.”
4:13 p.m. Scott’s Four Commandments
Scott listed four policy pillars:
“If you are able-bodied in America, you work.”
“If you take out a loan, you pay it back.”
“If you commit a violent crime, you go to jail.”
“If god made you a man, you play sports against men,” he said.
4:08 p.m. Scott sits down by the “Fireside”
Returning on stage to his seat, Scott sits down to chat with Patterson, chairman of the California GOP. They began by discussing Wednesday’s debate. Scott urges that the GOP rallies around “firing Joe Biden.”
4:02 p.m. Tim Scott arrives
Tim Scott arrives an hour after scheduled due to Trump’s late appearance. As in the lunchtime session, his speech begins with the invocation and pledge of allegiance. A Fox Business clip from Wednesday’s debate of Scott saying that America is not a racist country plays.
Taking the stage, Scott’s first talking point is this: “Protecting America starts with backing the blue.”
He’s off the stage as quickly as he stepped onto it: “I’m going to preach to y’all,” said Scott standing in the middle of the ballroom. “We should build the wall,” he continues. “Don’t talk about it. Get it done.”
3:26 p.m. Staff prepares for Sen. Tim Scott’s arrival
Tripods on tables are replaced with wine glasses as the Marriott’s Grand Ballroom is converted for Sen. Tim Scott’s “Fireside Chat.” Two arm chairs sit upon the stage. The Mamas & the Papas “California Dreamin” plays over the speakers.
3:18 p.m. Trump departs the stage
Trump plans to make four major amendments to election procedure, in lieu of the “Stop the steal” movement that alleges voter fraud across the country.
He pledged to instate paper ballots only, federal voter ID laws, same-day elections and stressed wanting constituents to visit a booth instead of voting by-mail.
Trump closes his speech by urging Republican voters to turn out to Super Tuesday.
Gesturing, Trump said that there are thousands of supporters outside who, despite knowing they can’t get into the convention, “came anyways.”
His signature sign-off: “We will make America great again,” said Trump. “Thank you California, god bless you all!”
Scenes from the keynote: A peek into the Marquis Ballroom
3:06 p.m. Deepening the divide
Trump vilified Democrats throughout his entire keynote, but stressed that “the radical left Democrats rigged the 2020 election” and his party would not let that happen again.
He said each indictment is a “big badge of honor.”
“Never forget: our enemies want to stop us because we are the only ones who can stop them,” he said. “They want to silence me because I will never let them silence you.”
3:00 p.m. Polling: Trump vs. “DeSanctimonious”
Trump analyzed recent polling on the Republican primary election, touting his success over DeSantis: “These polls are so incredible.”
He highlighted a recent poll in which Trump led the pack at 63%, while “DeSanctimonious” polled at 12%. He shared that fellow Republicans had urged Trump not to “hit” another member of the party.
“I don’t give a damn if he’s a Republican, gotta hit him!,” said Trump. “I hit him hard, and he’s crashing like a bird that’s seriously wounded in flight.”
2:45 p.m. “Retribution for theft and destruction”
Trump expressed concerns that people are pillaging department stores, saying that law enforcement is “not allowed to do anything. They’re told to stand by, stand back. Don’t touch.”
In an effort to make the nation “an entirely different place,” he says, Trump proposed new standards for law enforcement in instances of pillaging and theft.
“When the police are allowed to do their job, and that means in some cases, shoot them, this will stop immediately,” said Trump, saying that people who rob stores should “fully expect to be shot” as they are leaving.
2:34 p.m. The “parental rights” debate
Trump called California laws in support of transgender children “depraved” and “child sexual mutilation.” Across California, school board meetings have erupted into political debate over parental notification policies that require teachers to tell parents that their child identifies as transgender.
Trump targeted transgender athletes. He said that he wants basketball legend Lebron James to transition so Trump can coach him.
“We will be undefeated forever. We will make the legendary John Wooden into just a little asterisk,” he said.
2:32 p.m. Remarks on the United Auto Workers strike
Trump said that the UAW has a leader (President Shawn Fain) who hates him “because he is a Republican.” Sharing that he feels the group’s political tilt is a mistake, he said that hourly wages won’t matter when jobs disappear in two years.
“Tell your union that if they’re smart, you should endorse me immediately,” he said. He told the crowd that he believes the UAW workers are on his side, “95%.”
2:20 p.m. Attacks on Biden and Newsom
“Gavin has become crooked Joe Biden’s top surrogate,” said Trump of Newsom. His remark comes after Newsom made his rounds at the second Republican presidential debate in Simi Valley on Wednesday as a proxy for the Biden campaign.
2:12 p.m. Tackling forest fires
Staying on the theme of water, Trump outlined a plan to “dampen” forests as part of a forest fire prevention scheme for California.
“All the currently dry canals will be used to irrigate,” he said. He spoke about redistributing water from the northern part of the state: “There is so much water up north, I want the overflow areas to dampen your forests.”
More broadly, he hopes to improve California’s “poor land management.”
2:05 p.m. Smelly California
Trump turned to the issue of California’s drought, saying that high tax rates in California should mean residents have free access to water in their homes.
“That’s why rich people from Beverly Hills, generally speaking, don’t smell so good,” he said. Referencing a federal plan his administration had worked on, Trump told the crowd he wants to force Newsom to provide Californians with water.
1:42 p.m. First mention of Trump’s border wall
Trump vowed that, in the first 48 hours of his presidency, he would “save the borders,” likening his proposed border wall to one allegedly surrounding Pelosi’s house.
He called the 2024 election the single most important election in our nation’s history: “Our country is going to hell. Our country is being destroyed.”
So far, Trump has name-dropped House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, criticizing both their ideologies and character.
Before the first word: Trump steps on stage
1:36 p.m. A warm — and cinematic — welcome
The crowd broke out in “oohs” at every mention of Trump and “boos” at every mention of President Joe Biden. Jessica Millan Patterson, chairwoman of the California Republican Party, led an introduction for the lunch banquet.
The short speech was followed by an introductory video — Hollywood style — before Trump took the stage.
“Boy, are they messing up California,” he said. His first talking point was the blue state’s “rigged” elections, citing again mail-in ballots as a source of voter fraud.
11:53 a.m. Conference attendees continue to file in ahead of Trump’s keynote
“I’m here to see Trump,” said Roberta Cox, a 77-year-old conference attendee from San Diego. Today’s lunch will be Cox’s first time in a room with the former president. Decked out in Trump garb, her excitement is palpable.
Cindy Josten is here for the same reason: “I’m so excited, this is my bucket list. I’m here to support the man that I believe could save America,” said the attendee from Santa Clarita. “It’s good to be around like-minded people.”
Annenberg Media also spoke with two representatives from a data-driven political marketing intelligence company that helps “get the right people elected,” said Billy Uicker, chief revenue officer at Datasys. The company is a VIP, platinum sponsor of the convention.
Kyle Smith, head of a marketing execution company working with Datasys, said he was looking forward to seeing how the company might be able to insert itself into the campaigns of the candidates appearing in Anaheim this weekend.
10:31 a.m. Annenberg Media has arrived
Just a couple blocks over from the “Happiest place on Earth,” groups of Trump supporters have packed street corners of Katella Avenue. Inside of the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Secret Service agents are ushering conference attendees through security.
