Trump loves to bash California to rally the base. 'Let em take out' L.A. is just the latest

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Set us as preferred WASHINGTON — As President Trump zigzags across the country in the final weeks before the midterm elections, he has made California his favorite foil as he tries to fire up his base.On Monday, he blamed the Golden State for the rising cost of gas prices, claimed without evidence that its elections are rigged, and at a Nebraska rally suggested Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego.“It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe,” Trump said.“They can take out a city, let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego.

This is a very small price to pay.”The president’s team on Tuesday said his remarks were misunderstood, arguing the president “clearly” stated that U.S.cities would have been threatened “if a nuclear Iran hadn’t been stopped.” Trump declined to clarify what he meant by his statements when asked by a reporter Tuesday.But by then, Trump’s remarks had already drawn fierce condemnation from California leaders, including Republican Jim Desmond, a Navy veteran running in a highly competitive race that is key to helping Republicans retain control of the House.

“I vehemently disagree with President Trump’s comments,” Desmond wrote on social media.“America must stand up to Iran and defend our interests, but the first responsibility of our Commander in Chief is to protect the American people and our homeland.” The backlash exposed the risk of Trump’s closing midterm strategy.

Bashing California is a reliable applause line in red states like Nebraska, Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma, where the president has been holding rallies trying to ensure his supporters get out to vote.But in this modern era, an incendiary comment can travel fast online and leave Republicans running in competitive districts in awkward spots,...