- April 24, 2015 -
Donald Trump receives warm welcome in Chesterfield
Donald Trump derided President Barack Obama as incompetent while playing up his own political prowess at a gathering of Chesterfield County Republicans on Friday.
“Right now we’re a laughing stock all over the world with Obama and all,” Trump told reporters before making a speech. “If I run and if I win, this country will not be ripped off anymore.”
The celebrity businessman and on-again, off-again presidential candidate was the keynote speaker at the Chesterfield County Republican Committee’s annual fundraising banquet, the Lincoln-Reagan Gala.
In the previous two presidential election cycles, Trump suggested that he might make a run before ultimately bowing out. This year, he’s insisted he’s serious about his prospects, and in March, he announced he had formed an exploratory committee and hired campaign staff in key primary states.
Trump’s remarks followed the format of a standard campaign-trail stump speech, covering his positions on foreign relations, national security and budgeting.
Asked Friday about his plans for a run, the most he would say is that he is “looking at it very, very seriously.”
About 450 people attended the event at the Country Club at the Highlands, paying $100 each for tickets, according to the organization’s spokesman, Jerry Baldwin. Another 50 guests paid upward of $200 to attend a meet-and-greet with Trump.
Dozens of attendees lined up to have their photograph taken with Trump, who grinned and offered a thumbs-up in each picture. A jazz quartet played in the corner.
Del. Roxann L. Robinson, R-Chesterfield, was among those who had her photo taken with Trump. “It’s an exciting time for Chesterfield Republicans,” she said. “I think he’s testing the waters to see what reception he gets.”
That reception was largely enthusiastic. Trump increased interest in this year’s event, said Donald C. Williams, the chairman of the Chesterfield County Republican Committee, noting that attendance is up from about 385 people last year.
Trump was impressed by his impact. “It’s a big record crowd by a lot,” Trump said. “I guess they like me.”
Jill Balsamo attended clutching a picture with Trump superimposed in front of the White House, which she presented to a grateful Trump.
“Because that’s where he belongs,” she said.
But the seriousness with which attendees viewed Trump’s potential candidacy varied. Baldwin attributed excitement surrounding Trump’s visit more to his celebrity status and less to the possibility that he might run for president. In addition to his business dealings — he owns properties around the world, including a vineyard in Virginia — Trump has hosted 14 seasons of “The Apprentice” since the show’s premiere on NBC in 2004.
“We did not seek him out because he’s a potential presidential contender,” Baldwin said. “We sought him out because he’s a popular voice on talk shows as someone who promotes the party. He’s good entertainment, and this is a fundraiser.”
Baldwin said Trump was among dozens of potential speakers the Chesterfield County Republican Association contacted this year. Trump, however, was the first to respond and agreed to speak for free.
The event typically raises between $12,000 and $20,000, Baldwin said. The funds are used to support candidates endorsed by the committee in Chesterfield, in part through the printing of Republican sample ballots that are distributed at Chesterfield polling precincts.
