Donald Trump Calls Indiana Town 'Importantville' in Final Push

The businessman made his final push in the Hoosier state.

ByABC News
May 3, 2016, 1:32 AM

— SOUTH BEND, IN -- On the eve of the now-crucial Indiana primary, Donald Trump sought to let his final crowd in the state know how important their votes are in this election.

“Now Indiana is becoming very important .. .you folks belong where you belong; it's called Importantville right? I love it,” Trump happily said.

Trump's campaign closed out the Hoosier State as it has in so many states, sidestepping the latest controversial comment, mired in a barrage of omnidirectional attacks, fending off flimsy alliances and, in spite of it all -- or perhaps because of it all -- remaining supremely confident.

In his last address to the people of Indiana, Trump’s remarks were almost a "best of" compilation: He brought up rival Ted Cruz’s birther status, decried the media, hit "low-energy” Jeb Bush and reaffirmed his plans to build a wall.

The businessman had crisscrossed the state, reaching thousands of voters, though making fewer stops than Cruz. Trump was quick to berate his rival, using an attack as an impetus to implore people to vote.

“I think he's crazy. Honestly, I think he's crazy. Lying Ted does not have the temperament to be doing this. He is choking like a dog because he is losing so badly. We have to put him away tomorrow folks. We gotta get out and vote," Trump said.

He also touted the endorsements of big Indiana names, including famed Indiana University basketball coach Bobby Knight and former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz.

Knight, a man known for his controversial court-side temper, appeared at three events with the Republican front-runner, proudly declaring in Evansville "that son of a b----could play for me!”

But even as his crowds swelled and endorsements poured in, Trump could not escape his own greatest foe: his mouth.

He accused Hillary Clinton of playing the "woman’s card," after which his Democratic rival had her two best days of fundraising ever. While denouncing China’s trade policies, Trump said the country has been “raping” the United States. And he touted the endorsement of boxer Mike Tyson, saying that he wasn’t aware the boxer had ever been convicted of rape.

Despite seeming missteps in recent weeks, though, Trump looks poised to capture Indiana, increasing the likelihood that he'll manage to win the delegates needed to clinch the nomination. Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich had tried to derail Trump’s efforts by announcing they would get out of each other’s way in states where the other was likely to win. But the strategy has yet to pay off.

Daniel Sharp of Mishawaka, Indiana, was not impressed.

"I think they should be able to stand on their own two feet. If they can’t win the votes from the people, all this alliance nonsense is just more political corruption as usual,” he said.

Sharp was in attendance at Trump’s final rally in South Bend. He believes Trump will win the state handily. He mentioned the Hail Mary that Cruz threw last week by announcing Carly Fiorina as his vice presidential pick should he get the nomination.

"I don’t think it’s going to make a difference,” Sharp said of the Texas senator’s chances. "I think the writing’s on the wall for Mr. Cruz.”