SALEM, Va. (WFXR) — Former President Donald J. Trump will be joined by Governor Younkin and others for a rally at the Salem Civic Center.

The presidential rally will start at 2 p.m. with former President Trump scheduled to speak at 4 p.m.

(Photo Credit: Sam Graham)

During the first half of the rally in Salem, John McGuire took the stage first, followed by others including Attorney General Jason Miyares, Hung Cao, Representative Ben Cline, Congressman Morgan Griffith, and Glenn Youngkin in front of a packed arena.

“How many of you are ready to get President Trump back in the White House?” – John McGuire

Speakers shared messages to support Donald Trump and other Republican candidates seeking office in the upcoming general election on November 5. Immigration, the economy, energy independence, and foreign wars were the focal points of discussion while accusing the Biden-Harris administration policies of taking the country in the wrong direction.

Despite recent polling, Congressman Morgan Griffith asserted to the enthusiastic crowd that the state of Virginia is in play and can be won by the former president.

“I heard the Democrats say, ‘Why is Trump coming to Salem Virginia? He doesn’t stand a chance.’ Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you why, it’s because the state of Virginia is in fact “in play,” said Griffith. “Because they know what we know and that’s if the 5th District, the 6th District, and the 9th District of Virginia turn out, we can actually outvote the 8th, the 10th, and the 11th.”

Governor Glenn Youngkin compared the Biden-Harris economy over the past four years to that while Trump was in office and said the nation had higher growth and lower inflation. He then turned to immigration and said policies put in place by Kamala Harris have left the country more vulnerable and that if reelected, Trump will secure the border.

(Photo Credit: Sam Graham)

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The Presidential race has been tightening up and both candidates have been campaigning hard. The rally with former President Donald Trump at the Salem Civic Center is scheduled for Saturday, November 2 and there has been a lot of preparation for his arrival.

Recent data, including a newly released poll from Roanoke College, shows Trump trailing Kamala Harris by 10 points in Virginia with Independent Cornel Wet and Libertarian Chase Oliver both with 2% of the vote, and Green Party candidate Jill Stein, taking 1%.

“Kamala Harris has increased the slim lead she held in the August Roanoke College Poll,” said Dr. Harry Wilson, senior political analyst for IPOR and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Roanoke College. “She is claiming 95% of Democrats and leads 49%-36% among independents. Trump is supported by 90% of Republicans, but that might not be enough for him to win in Virginia.”  

According to the Roanoke College poll, 2% of likely voters are still undecided. 47% of those polled said they are almost certain to vote and 40% have already reported voting. Only 24% still plan to vote before Election Day; however, 85% of people who have not voted have already decided on who they are going to be voting for.

Voters named the economy as the most important issue this election cycle with 43% of respondents, followed by abortion at 26%, immigration at 12%, foreign affairs at 8%, and crime at 3%.

“With so few undecided voters, it’s a tough uphill climb for Trump. Democrats continue to take advantage of early voting. Republicans are catching up, but they need massive turnout on Election Day.” 

Kamala Harris is viewed as most trusted to do a better job on abortion (57%, compared to 36% for Trump). However, the two candidates tied on other issues including 48% on immigration; Harris favored 49%-45% on both crime and foreign policy; and Trump was seen as doing a better job on the economy at 49%-46%.

EVENT DETAILS AT SALEM CIVIC CENTER

The day of the event is expected to cause some traffic delays and pattern changes in the City of Salem, especially near the Taliaferro Complex.

Salem Civic Center Officials have announced certain rules and guidelines to help ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all attendees.

  • EVERYTHING IS FIRST COME – FIRST SERVED
  • Parking will open to the public at 8 am
  • Doors open at Noon
  • Event -pre-programming begins at promptly 2 pm
  • Donald J. Trump’s remarks will begin at 4 pm
  • Please arrive no later than 1 pm
  • The Donald Trump campaign handled all the ticketing.
  • They send the code/confirmation. We do not know how many tickets they distributed.
  • YOU MUST HAVE A TICKET FOR ENTRY.
  • Entry is on a first come first served basis.