Trump Organizes 'Gather for Gorsuch' Rally at Florida Capitol

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are calling on their Florida supporters to head to Tallahassee Thursday to oppose a Democratic filibuster and to tell U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson vote in favor of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.

On Wednesday, Trump urged his supporters to “Gather for Gorsuch” Thursday afternoon at the Florida Capitol to call on U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson to oppose a Democratic filibuster against Gorsuch’s nomination to the Supreme Court. 

Last month, Nelson said he would join the filibuster against Gorsuch and would also vote no on his confirmation. 

“Deciding whether to confirm a president's nominee for the highest court in the land is a responsibility I take very seriously,” Nelson said in a statement. “Over the past few weeks, I have met with Judge Gorsuch, listened to the Judiciary Committee's hearings and reviewed his record with an open mind.”

Nelson went on to say some of Gorsuch’s positions, like allowing unlimited money in political campaigns, caused him grave concern and ultimately made him decide to vote against the Colorado appellate court judge’s confirmation.

The “Gather for Gorsuch” rally will push for Nelson to change his mind and vote in favor of Gorsuch. 

The email told Trump supporters to peacefully and organically assemble to make their voices heard on Thursday, a subtle knock at the notion liberal protesters are paid to act out and rally against conservative policies.

“Trump rallies are always peaceful because Trump supporters have respect for all human beings and for the First Amendment,” the email read. “You can contribute to a peaceful public gathering with a few tips on how to conduct yourself (compared to the paid protesters that disrupt the democratic process for political gain)."

The email goes on to tell attendees to be early, be creative, show their patriotism, remain peaceful, share their support and obey local laws.

It also warns Trump supporters not to engage with protesters at the Capitol.

“If there are protesters at the gathering, do not engage them directly – let their antics represent them, and let your peaceful demeanor represent all Trump supporters,” read the email. “Peaceful demonstrations are a cornerstone of our Democracy––the First Amendment does not grant any one the right to incite violence." 

Nelson, Florida’s senator has said he will join scores of other Democrats in voting against Gorsuch’s nomination.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Democratic filibuster making the case against Gorsuch had been going on for hours, with some senators speaking for over 13 hours at a time to say “no” to Gorsuch.

Forty-two Democrats said Monday they would vote to block Trump’s pick, one more than needed to swing the vote. 

Sixty votes are needed to advance the confirmation process.

The “Gather for Gorsuch” rally begins at 2 p.m. at the Florida Capitol.

Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.