'You're Going to Love Pres. Trump': GOP Front-Runner Big on Bombast

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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stayed true to form during his keynote speech Tuesday night at the Birch Run Expo Center.

The Teflon front-runner continued beating on his policy punching bags of illegal immigration and Chinese trade, while taking shots at his GOP opponents and President Obama before the sold-out crowd of 2,375, according to media reports. The Lincoln Day Dinner fundraiser in Birch Run was sponsored by the Republican parties of Saginaw and Genesee counties.

»Via the Detroit News

Of course, Trump also talked about his favorite subject: himself.

“I love people, I love this country. We are going to make this country so strong, so powerful. … You are going to love President Trump.”

Didn’t get to attend the speech? Here are some of the highlights:

On Mexico and Illegal Immigration

“Mexico is killing us on trade,” Trump said in his speech, according to the Detroit Free Press. “This is going to make Detroit look like small potatoes. They’re taking our factories and building these massive plants in Mexico. … Why don’t we just let the illegals drive the cars and trucks across the border into our country?”

»Via the Detroit Free Press

During a press conference with reporters before the event, Trump couched his issues with Mexico in relation to an institution he knew his audience would respond to, the auto industry, the Detroit News reported. He said the Ford Motor Company is wrong to be building a $2.5-billion plant in Mexico:

“How does that help us? … Cars and trucks and parts are going to go all over the place, but they’re coming in to the United States—no tax. How does it help us, except they’ll be closing plants in Michigan and perhaps in other places. We’re going to be bring back jobs (into) the United States.”

On His Presidential Opponents

Trump has never been beholden to the aphorism, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” And that was clear when he spoke about his presidential rivals, according to the Detroit News.

• Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush: Suffered a major self-inflicted wound when he misspoke about spending on women’s health issues.
• Sen. Rand Paul and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry: Their criticism of Trump cost them in the polls.
• Democratic presidential candidate Hilary Clinton: The email controversy surrounding her will eventually be her downfall.

On His Vague Campaign Platform

Trump told reporters before his speech that his campaign will be rolling out his specific plans as president within the next two weeks. However, he did warn that he intends to be flexible on certain issues, such as jobs.

On the Possibility of a Third-Party Candidacy

So long as the GOP treats him right, that’s the party Trump wants to be associated with, the Detroit Free Press reported.

“I want to run as a Republican, but I’m going to keep the door open. I was part of the establishment two months ago. I was a big giver, but once I decided to run, all of a sudden, I’m anti-establishment. … As long as I’m treated fairly and fairly is an instinct. I know what fair is.”