COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former president Donald Trump spoke to Black voters on Friday ahead of the South Carolina Republican primary this weekend.
Friday night was a rallying cry for members of the Black Conservative Federation as Trump took the stand during the group’s honors gala.
After a number of speakers took the stage, Trump spoke for over an hour about a number of topics, including President Biden, Black voting, his political opponents and his plan for Saturday’s primary election.
“We have a big deal tomorrow, and it’s so important that everybody get out and vote because we want to win by big margins,” Trump said.
Friday’s speech happened just hours before polls open for the South Carolina Republican primary. In 2016, Trump won the South Carolina primary with 32% of the vote on his way to the White House.
According to USC political professor Chase Myer, the South Carolina primary plays a key role in deciding who will be on the November ballot.
“South Carolina traditionally picks the Republican nominee. Going back to the 1980s, the Republican primary in South Carolina has chosen the eventual Republican nominee every year except in 2012,” Myer said.
With eyes on South Carolina, attendee Apostle Tommy E. Quick said he and others hope voters will be paying attention.
“What I’m hoping is actually just continue the momentum that is necessary for us to make America great again," Quick said. "I hope that some people here would be persuaded that if they don’t support him, they realize that he is the best candidate."