TAMPA, Fla. — President Trump's 2020 reelection campaign hosted a "Women for Trump" rally in Tampa Thursday evening.
- Program formatted to mobilize volunteers
- One of more than a dozen "Women for Trump" events across the nation
- Kellyanne Conway, Pam Bondi attended event
- More Decision 2020 stories
A ballroom at the Tampa Convention Center was filled to capacity with an estimated crowd of about a thousand people.
For many in attendance, the highlight was when the President himself called in to the gathering.
"Love Tampa. Love everybody in the room and I'm with you all the way," the President said. "We're going to have a great race. I think it's going to be even easier than the last time but let's pretend it's even tougher so we work harder."
It was one of more than a dozen such events being held across the country. The rallies were planned to coincide with the 99th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote.
Mobilize and empower
Organizers said the program, which was formatted like a "chat," was designed to mobilize volunteers, register voters and "empower" women to talk publicly about why they support Trump.
Nancy Acevedo drove to Tampa from Seminole County to attend.
"Unfortunately, there's a misunderstanding that he's not for women, but he's supportive of women," Acevedo said.
She said she was happy to see women appointed to positions in the administration.
One of those prominent women, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, headlined the Tampa event. She said the President has made women a priority during his time in office, pointing to a low unemployment rate among women and the Paid Family Leave Act included in the latest White House budget.
Conway also blasted the field of potential 2020 Democratic challengers to the President in the general election.
"I tell you, they think it's a binary choice of Trump or not Trump," Conway said. "The only binary choice is freedom vs. socialism."
Conway's message resonated with supporters in the audience.
"Women are starting businesses in record numbers," said Linda Trocine. "Women are working in record numbers and able to help their families. I want more of that."
"We believe in family," said Rosie Paulsen. "We believe in life and we believe in economic prosperity and economic prosperity is something Trump has given us. We love the President. 45. Four more years."
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi also appeared at the event.