Donald Trump rallies supporters in Orlando
ORLANDO — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump told a crowd of thousands of cheering supporters that he will buck the odds and win the state of Florida — and the White House — six days from now, on Election Day.
“Our magnificent, historic movement has surprised the world and defied expectations at every single turn," Trump said during a Wednesday afternoon speech at the Orlando Amphitheater at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.
"And now next Tuesday, we will have one last glorious surprise for the pundits, the politicians and the special interests when we win and return the power back to the people. It’s going to happen," he said.
Trump's roughly 30-minute speech served as his second event on a two-day, four-city tour of the key battleground state. Trump spoke earlier during a noon rally at the Bayfront Park Amphitheater in Miami before traveling to Orlando. He then flew to the Panhandle for a 7 p.m. rally at the Hunter Amphitheater at Maritime Park in Pensacola.
Thursday, Trump is scheduled to lead a noon rally at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center before heading to appearances in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
Citing polls showing him leading Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in several swing states, Trump urged Orlando Amphitheater attendees to vote. He again pledged to repeal and replace Obamacare, which he labeled "a total catastrophe."
The crowd offered cheers of “Trump!” and “USA!” while decrying Clinton with chants of “Lock Her Up!” and “Liar!”
Overhead, a yellow plane circled the fairgrounds pulling a “FL Chinese Americans for Trump” banner. Outside the amphitheater, a couple dozen merchandise vendors formed a veritable Trump flea market, hawking a colorful array of T-shirts, caps, flags, buttons, bumper stickers, dolls, playing cards, books and more.
Florida Election Blog: Women torn on Trump
Trump criticized President Obama for campaigning in support of Clinton. Obama spoke Friday at the University of Central Florida's CFE Federal Credit Union Arena, and he is scheduled to return to Orlando on Sunday for another event.
"He’s campaigning right now for Crooked Hillary. Why is he campaigning? She’s under federal investigation — and you’ve got a president campaigning for her. And that’s all he does is campaign," Trump said.
"He ought to be working on your jobs that are leaving and going to Mexico, and your military," he said.
In the audience, former Melbourne resident Ryan Smith drew laughs by wearing a Clinton mask, handcuffs and an orange "Crooked Hillary" shirt bearing inmate number 11082016 — a numerical reference to Nov. 8, 2016, or Election Day.
"Everyone wants to see her in prison. I can't walk 5 feet without somebody stopping and taking pictures," said Smith, a senior mechanical engineer and UCF graduate.
Election 2016: Poll says Florida 'too close to call'
"She needs to be in prison and everyone knows it, but nobody's going to do anything about it — unless we bring Trump in to the White House," he said.
Kara Elvidge, who voted for Trump on Monday, said she considers Clinton a liar. The Port St. Lucie registered nurse showed off a sticker on her shirt: "I'm a Christian. I'm voting."
"The abortion issue is a big issue for me, with Hillary's views on abortion. I also believe that we need to close the borders. That's something important for me, with Trump," Elvidge said.
Marie Maxime, a Haitian native who is now an Orlando stay-home mother, carried a white Trump-Pence sign to the rally. She was a lifelong Democrat until Trump ran for president.
"I think Trump can do the job. I think he's a man of integrity and honor. And I think he can stand on his word," Maxime said.
Contact Neale at 321-242-3638, rneale@floridatoday.com or follow @RickNeale1 on Twitter