Big Names Flock to Ruby-Red Florida in Close Contests

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorPresident Trump held a rally in Fort Myers on Friday, in a state where Democrats now have their eye on several House races, the New York Times reports.

2. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe rally was at Alico Arena at Florida Gulf Coast University, and people were lining up more than three hours before it started.

3. 

   Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistFort Myers is the heart of Byron Donalds' district, and Axios says that's one of the state's solid Republican strongholds. So why go there?

4. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorWell, the Hill says it fits a pattern: the president is visiting safe red districts in his final midterm blitz, while the party faces stiff headwinds in the battleground states.

5. 

   Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistRegistered Republicans outnumber Democrats in Florida by more than one point five million.

6. 

   Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistThat's the safest forecast I've ever seen, and they're still checking the sky.

7. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorA top Republican consultant told Axios the environment isn't great, but no one turns out the base more than the president.

8. 

   Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistTurning out the base. In a state they already win.

9. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorAnd the governor's race has tightened, with Donalds up against Democrat David Jolly. Senator Ashley Moody still leads in the polls against Angie Nixon.

10. 

    Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistThin ice either way. I'd call it a front moving in, and nobody on that stage will say the word.

11. 

    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe state party chairman opened the rally by asking, quote, "Isn't it great to live in the free state of Florida?" Great, sure.

12. 

    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorDo the free people have to be asked to show up?