Donald Trump to Voters He Once Called Rapists: 'You're Gonna Like President Trump'
Donald Trump finally realized something about the population he has repeatedly, publicly, and unabashedly denigrating for months: they’ve got quite the voting power.
Speaking from the comfort of his private plane on Friday, the Republican presidential frontrunner sent out a grainy cell phone video that is reportedly his first direct message to Hispanic conservatives. Reading from a piece of paper, Trump says:
“National. Hispanic. Christian. Three great words. We’re going to take care of you. We’re going to work with you. You’re going to be very happy. You’re gonna like President Trump.”
Perhaps a better descriptor for the video is Trump’s first positive direct message to Hispanic conservatives—in the past, he’s called immigrants of Latino or Hispanic background “rapists,” killers, criminals, and drug dealers. In the specific case of Mexico, he’s promised to deport millions and build a giant wall to keep its citizens out of the U.S.
Last election the Hispanic population made up 17.2 percent of the total U.S. population—nearly one in five voters—with some pundits arguing that they play a large role in deciding the election. This time around, the Hispanic electorate is expected to reach a record high, with over 27 million people eligible. Despite his new two-minute cell phone video push, it looks like this one’s going to be a hard sell.
Sadly, the overwhelming amount of violent crime in our major cities is committed by blacks and hispanics-a tough subject-must be discussed.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2013