Chris and I got to experience part of a Donald Trump campaign rally this past weekend. As registered independent voters, it was an interesting experience for sure.
Neither of us have voted for Trump in the past. In 2016 I was not a citizen yet but I volunteered for the Gary Johnson campaign. In 2020 I voted for Jo Jorgensen. I was shocked when I met Chris to discover he was one of the less than 4% of Americans to also support those candidates!
I was curious to go see Trump in person for various reasons. One, he’s certainly the most intriguing political figure of our time, it would be cool to be present at his event. He’s funny, if nothing else. And, most notably, the hatred toward him from people who I disagree with makes me curious about him.
We actually stood in line for 2.5 hours to get into the event. My favorite part of the experience was being with all these MAGA Trump supporters. The capacity of the event was 2000 people so for a good part of the time there was 2000+ people were outside waiting in line.
First of all, the diversity was interesting. Some very young folks and some very old folks and everything in between. Families, couples, hardcore patriots in their decked out pro-American vehicles. Racial diversity (which was clearly interesting to the media, as they sought specifically to speak to the young black men there, probably because they’re brainwashed into thinking blacks all hate Trump). Hardcore Republicans and curious independents.
But all of them polite and patient. It struck me midway that despite the long wait, no one was complaining. No one was being rude. I observed only one incident of vulgarity – which was an anti-Trump driver going past us who shouted the f-word at those of us in line along the road. Otherwise there were people taking photos together and dogs walking around in Trump t-shirts and overall it was very family friendly.
After 2.5 hours we finally got into the building and were getting close to the gymnasium and we were informed that the fire marshall had cut off the crowd as capacity was reached. Several hundred of us got turned away. And even then, while there were some murmuring of disappointment, no one freaked out or got belligerent. Everyone just departed peacefully.
It was impactful to me to be among these normal, cheerful hard working Americans who the media paints as terrorists but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Some want Trump and his supporters silenced. As a foreign born American citizen I’m shocked at Americans wanting to silence one another. I came to this country and had to go through some difficulty for my citizenship and my access to American rights that some on the left are eager to take away from me.
I heard a young lady in front of us a few people tell the person she was with that she couldn’t buy any Trump merchandise because “my dad will disown me.” And I think that’s just so sad. My mom also isn’t a Trump supporter but she thought it was awesome that we went and thinks it’s important that all voices get heard and would have thought it was funny if I’d left with a Trump tshirt. A shame that political differences are creating rifts in families.
I wish we could have attended the rally but the fact is we can watch most of those clips online. The experience of waiting with this peaceful group of people was an experience I enjoyed.
Anna Farley 