Kathrine Frich
He told them this during a voting pledge.
Political conventions usually rely on predictable stump speeches and standard rallying cries.
Yet when high stakes meet a crowd of loyalists, the rhetoric can take an unexpected turn.
A recent high-profile address has raised eyebrows across the political landscape.
High stakes rally
US President Donald Trump wrapped up the Republican midterm convention on Thursday with a fiery speech to supporters. He implored the audience to turn out in massive numbers to keep control of Congress.
During the address, Trump framed the vote as a personal favor. According to reporting from CNN, the president urged attendees to pretend his name was on the ballot.
“You have to do me the biggest favor you’ve ever done me,” he said. “You have to do this for me. You have to pretend I’m on the ballot.”
He then led the crowd through a voting pledge. He asked followers to promise to “go out with my family, my friends… I don’t care if I’m registered or not, I’m going to try to cheat as much as I can, just like they (Democrats) do.”
Dire consequences ahead
The rhetoric grew intense as Trump warned of severe consequences for anyone staying home on election day.
“Do you know what happens if you don’t vote?” he asked the crowd. “You go to hell. You know that.”
Beyond spiritual warnings, Trump painted a dark picture of a Democratic victory. According to Ziare.com, he told supporters that opponents would “let criminals loose to loot, rape and kill, just like they did just two years ago.”
Promises and praise
To sweeten the deal, Trump reiterated a bold financial promise. He pledged a $5,000 payout to every American adult if his party keeps Congress.
Officials have offered little detail on how the cash distribution would be funded. Still, the proposal remains a central campaign selling point.
Despite voter anxiety over the economy and the war in Iran, Trump brushed aside any suggestions of trouble. Instead, he praised his own performance without hesitation.
“I’ve kept every promise I’ve made,” Trump concluded. “And I think I’ve accomplished a lot more than that.”
Sources: CNN, Ziare.com
