Republican VP candidate Mike Pence to speak in Wilmington area
Just two weeks after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made his visit to Wilmington at UNC Wilmington’s Trask Coliseum, Trump’s running mate, Mike Pence, will hold a rally at Manufacturing Methods plant at 3 p.m. on Aug. 24 after a visit to the State Port of Wilmington.
The Star News reports that Pence, the current governor of Indiana, is expected to talk about the economy and the need to bring back both the state’s and the country’s manufacturing base.
Trump’s visit to Wilmington two weeks ago was steeped in controversy that spread all the way to national news. During his speech, Trump made comments connecting crusaders of the second amendment to the effort to stop Hillary Clinton’s bid for the White House.
Many interpreted those comments as Trump’s endorsement of using guns to prevent Clinton from winning the presidency, while Trump’s supporters argued that he was merely making a joke.
However, Trump’s rally in Wilmington was largely peaceful, though thousands of attendees could not get into the already-packed coliseum and were forced to wait outside. Roughly 6,000 people filled Trask Coliseum that day.
Throughout the election process thus far, Republicans have seen North Carolina as a crucial state to win if they hope to get Trump in the White House. Thus, the presidential-hopeful and his running mate have made several stops throughout North Carolina in recent weeks.
Democrats also see North Carolina as a key battleground state, and Hillary Clinton and her running mate have made several visits to North Carolina recently as well. Clinton, however, has not yet spoken in Wilmington.
On Wednesday, Pence will also speak at an event hosted by Charlotte Pipe and Foundry in Charlotte, N.C. at 10 a.m., according to Donald Trump’s campaign website.
Doors to Pence’s Wilmington rally will open at noon.