GOP thinks Trump can win three states in 2024 election; Democrats disagree.

Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic governor of Minnesota, had a ready answer for the questions circulating about whether his state is leaning towards former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November election.

“I don’t see it on the ground. Donald Trump says a lot of things that aren’t true,” the multi-tasking governor told CBS News while juggling preparations for a bill signing and tending to his barking dog. Walz is among several high-profile Minnesota Democrats working to counter the increasing Republican claims.

During recent meetings with congressional Republicans on Capitol Hill, the GOP put forth the argument that Trump is a viable contender in states like Minnesota, New Jersey, and Virginia in this year’s election. While this claim lacks substantial polling data to back it up and could be a strategic move to entice opponents to increase their spending to defend their interests, Democrats are reacting assertively and creatively.

“If Trump wants to spend his time and money campaigning in blue states, he’s welcome to do so,” a spokesperson for the Biden campaign remarked.

While some Democrats are daring Trump to invest in these states, others are urging caution not to take them for granted. Walz firmly stands against the latter view.

“He still claims he won here in 2016 and 2020, and that’s not true,” Walz vehemently stated in response to Trump’s unfounded claims regarding polls and election results.

“When President Biden visits, he delivers a billion dollars for the most crucial bridge in the upper Midwest,” Walz emphasized. “When Donald Trump comes, it’s hate, grievances, and baseless stories.

“I believe Trump and the Republicans are truly grasping at straws here,” Sen. Tina Smith, a Minnesota Democrat, expressed to CBS News.”

Despite her confidence, Smith acknowledged the impending close nature of the election. “Don’t get me wrong, it will be a tight race, but that’s why the Biden campaign is putting forth such a robust effort here.”

The Democratic National Committee has allocated approximately $500,000 towards Minnesota in preparation for the upcoming election, designated for staff, technology, outreach efforts, email fundraising, data, operations infrastructure, and party-building endeavors.

However, Rep. Dean Phillips, a Minnesota House member who briefly challenged Mr. Biden for the Democratic nomination, played down the optimism. “Turnout will be critical. I think Trump is onto something,” Phillips conceded to CBS News. “And if he focuses on Minnesota, it could work in his favor.”

The electoral votes from Minnesota, New Jersey, and Virginia are not anticipated to be deciding factors as a Trump victory in these states would only contribute to a likely electoral landslide.

Nevertheless, Mr. Biden would still require a coalition from multiple swing states to clinch victory, even if he secures Minnesota, New Jersey, and Virginia.

Trump’s discussions with congressional Republicans have sparked speculation that the GOP is contemplating investments in cities such as Minneapolis, Trenton, and Richmond. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican and former potential running mate for Trump, indicated positive feedback from Minnesota. “I believe Minnesota is more in play now than in the past few cycles. I received calls from friends in New Jersey who are also intrigued. There’s a genuine interest from Americans to get our country back on track,” Donalds disclosed.

While some New Jersey Democrats scoff at the possibility of Trump winning the Garden State, Rep. Andy Kim, a Democrat vying for Sen. Bob Menendez’s Senate seat, affirmed his state’s desire for change. “If President Trump wishes to invest in New Jersey, that’s his decision. However, I sense the energy in my state; the people crave something different and are utterly exhausted by what Trump represents,” Kim emphasized.

Rep. Don Beyer, a Northern Virginia Democrat, stated, “I don’t believe Virginia aligns with Trump culturally.” Despite his reservations, Beyer pointed to a recent Fox News poll indicating a tight race between Trump and Mr. Biden in Virginia. “I want Virginians to remain vigilant and not overlook the race. Every Democrat in Virginia has to approach this election as if we are at war,” Beyer warned.

Rep. Gerry Connolly, a longstanding House Democrat from Virginia, echoed Beyer’s sentiments. “Virginia has been a stronghold against Trump’s politics. We recognize that democracy is at stake, and the choice between President Biden and the twice-impeached, convicted felon couldn’t be clearer,” Connolly emphasized.

In the 2020 election, Mr. Biden secured victory in New Jersey and Virginia by considerable margins. Minnesota Democrats take pride in their long-standing winning streak for Democratic presidential candidates, dating back to 1972. The state also stood out in 1984 when Walter Mondale received its support amidst Ronald Reagan’s reelection campaign.

Political analysts suggest that it’s common practice to expand the battleground and claim a broader victory. “As a party leader, whether Democrat or Republican, one must project confidence in winning,” noted Mike Erlandson, a former Democratic state party chair in Minnesota.

A tightening race in any state could potentially impact closely contested local races, including congressional battles. Rep. Angie Craig, a Minnesota Democrat navigating a competitive House seat, stressed the need for readiness. “We cannot afford to take anything for granted this year. The race for the Second District is always intense, especially during presidential election years, so we must be prepared to defend ourselves from anticipated attacks,” Craig urged.

Overall, the political landscape is evolving rapidly as both Democrats and Republicans gear up for the forthcoming elections. With uncertainties looming and stakes running high, every move and decision made by the candidates will play a crucial role in determining the course of the political future.