Trump Campaigns for Blakeman in Syracuse with Mike Tyson

<p>President Donald Trump campaigned in Syracuse, New York, for Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for the state's gubernatorial election. Trump was joined by former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, who had visited the White House earlier in the day and traveled to Syracuse on Air Force One with Trump.</p><p>During the rally, Trump acknowledged Tyson's physical presence, stating, "I see somebody in the audience that I will never fight, I promise. But I remember when Mike [Tyson] was in his prime, when he was the heavyweight champion of the world. He’d stand in the corner and his people would all be holding him back. He wanted to kill whoever it was. He was a very dangerous person actually, and he was one of the greatest fighters in history." Trump then joked that Tyson was there to provide protection for Blakeman, saying, "I see him standing right next to Bruce Blakeman. Bruce wants a little protection, he’s got the right guy. Bruce knows who to stand near."</p><p>Later, Tyson was invited on stage, where he expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you very much. I'm just happy to be here with my president, President Trump, and there's no way in the world I would ever be here if it wasn't for a president like Donald Trump. Thank you." After Tyson left the stage, Trump remarked, "I watched him get in the ring many times. He was a scary guy. I think he looks better now than he did 30 years ago. What the hell are you doing, Mike?"</p><p>Trump and Tyson were also joined by New York Yankees president Randy Levine, who was present shortly after the Yankees were eliminated from the American League Division Series. Trump referenced the postseason loss but added that it didn't matter because "he's won so much, it's not going to matter." Blakeman is competing against Kathy Hochul, who has been the state's governor since August 2021, in the upcoming election.</p><p>Trump's visit to Syracuse was a change from his original plans to attend the Alabama-Georgia game in Tuscaloosa, which were canceled due to Hurricane Isaias, as announced by the White House.</p>