Trump Wildwood Rally: Jersey Shore Gets Packed With Politics

WILDWOOD, NJ — Stephen Crescitelli watched from his porch a few blocks from the Wildwood boardwalk. People travelled from all over for President Donald Trump's Tuesday rally.

Crescitelli lives in Vineland but owns a summer home in Wildwood. But people weren't in Wildwood for a typical summer day.

"It’s basically like 4th of July weekend, except a little more condensed all in one spot," he said. "Right now, it’s all condensed in one area. By about 5 o’clock this afternoon, it’ll be twice as many people."

Watch the Rally: Donald Trump To Speak At Wildwood Rally As Crowds Arrive

It was difficult to estimate how many people will attend Wildwood. Some camped out overnight, and some came early Tuesday morning.

President Trump will speak at the Wildwoods Convention Center at 7 p.m. But thousands waited in the morning to get inside, knowing not every attendee could fit inside the venue that holds up to 7,400. Doors open at 3 p.m.

"Most of the other towns (with rallies) are big towns, but I don't think this town is going to be equipped," said Keith Lamber, a Massachusetts resident. Lamber noted that most people parked far away from the venue, since the event relied on street parking.

New Jersey's Trump supporters know they face an uphill battle in making the state more red. Congressman Jeff Van Drew's recent switch to the Republican Party gives them some confidence.

The president endorsed Van Drew after the party switch became official. President Trump and Van Drew will arrive together on Air Force One. Read more: President Trump Announces Jeff Van Drew's Move To GOP

But New Jersey conservatives face an uphill battle. Democratic leaders hold the majority in all three chambers of state government.

Both of New Jersey's U.S. Senators are Democratic, and so are 10 of the state's 12 congressional representatives. But seeing conservatives pack into Wildwood gave supporters hope of a Republican emergence in New Jersey.

"(Democratic leaders) are just wasting our money and time when they could be investing in something else," Crescitelli said. "I think a lot of (their voters) will flip the opposite way."

Vendors also set up throughout Wildwood, especially on the boardwalk. Much of the merchandise combined Trump apparel with items a summer business might sell. One shirt available had President Trump — positioned live Calvin from "Calvin and Hobbes" — peeing on an altered CNN logo.

Keith Lomber came from Greensboro, North Carolina, to set up a table of hats and other merchandise. He has been to about 60 Trump rallies.

"It's good for everybody because it's good for the vendors, and it's good for the city," Lomber said. "It gives us the opportunity to take care of our families and be supporters too."

Wildwood has about 150,000 people in town on any given summer day, officials said. But the city's year-round population of about 5,000 keeps the area quiet in the offseason.

Parts of the city further from the Convention Center were still relatively empty Tuesday afternoon. But as one walks closer, they'll see police cars securing the area — some from nearby towns, such as Ocean City and Avalon.

Space around the Convention Center is packed with Trump supporters — a rarity most of the time in New Jersey.

"I’m surprised and overwhelmed with the support he’s getting," said Eileen Chmiel, of Jersey City. "I didn’t expect that because where I’m from in Hudson County ... the county's all Democrat."

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