Good evening. I'm Erin Burnett. OUTFRONT tonight, countdown to New York just three days before voters go to the polls here in New York. Donald Trump gaining big momentum and the stakes are enormous. Ninety five delegates up for grabs. Donald Trump right now live on stage at a major rally. Supporters have been lining up at that rally in Hartford, Connecticut, since early morning. Thousands are there. Thousands were waiting.
Our Miguel Marquez is there. We're going to go there in just a moment. Outside protesters have been gathering as well. The rally coming as the poll shows the frontrunner surging nationally. And he celebrates a major endorsement today and the state of New York with the New York Post called Trump a, quote, "potential superstar of vast promise." The paper adding he embodies, quote, "The best of New York values."
Also today, Trump doubling down on his war with Republican Party leaders.
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DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Because they have a phony system that the bosses pick whoever is running for election. So, here's what we have. We have a rigged system. The Republican system is rigged, OK? It's a rigged system.
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BURNETT: Ted Cruz also speaking in this hour at a rally in Rochester, New York. Cruz today saying Trump is just being a sore loser.
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SEN. TED CRUZ (R-TX), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: It is not surprising when a candidate loses 11 elections in a row he's unhappy about it, and so he complains. And that's fine.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BURNETT: We begin with Miguel Marquez OUTFRONT tonight at the Trump rally in Hartford. And Miguel, as we said, thousands gathering since early this morning. Protesters as well. Donald Trump is speaking in the room where you are right now. What's the mood?
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: The mood is absolutely festive. It's about three quarters of the way filled here. And there are still more people coming in. Mr. Trump has just taken the stage. He was spot on time. Clearly he is in friendlier territory right now, and he is on a roll.
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TRUMP: This is a great part of the world, believe me, folks.
MARQUEZ (voice-over): Donald Trump on a mission, riding high in the polls and playing aggressive offense as he looks for a big victory in Tuesday's New York primary. Ninety five delegates are at stake.
TRUMP: What are New York values? Honesty and straight talk
