I went to a Trump rally. Here's what I experienced
Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, made their first rally appearance together in the battleground state of Michigan Saturday.
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Former President Donald Trump and his newly announced running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, made their first rally appearance together in the battleground state of Michigan on Saturday.
Nearly every seat inside Van Andel Arena was taken as thousands of people made their way into downtown Grand Rapids.
Trump is the current presidential nominee for the Republican Party, while Sen. Vance was chosen as the party’s vice presidential nomination.
Between street vendors, secret service, and the high emotions of the crowd, here’s a glimpse at what the presidential rally was like, both inside and out.
How early did supporters begin lining up?
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Political supporters who attend rallies often know all too well the costs of getting a prime view of the candidates, especially during a presidential election, and especially if Trump is there.
Rebecca Holly, of Van Wert, Ohio, was near the front of the long, snaked-around line and said she had been standing in that very spot since the previous night.
“We set up in our spot at the arena around 10 o’ clock last night [Friday] and took turns switching out and sleeping in our cars,” said Holly. “You gotta do what you gotta do to get a good seat, and we’re determined to get it.”
Sights, smells and sounds
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If you have never attended a political campaign rally before, the experience and long lines can be overwhelming to some. Energy and tensions tend to be more amplified, and if the event is held indoors, like in Grand Rapids, those things are felt both inside and outside of the rally.
Outside the arena, rows of vendors on street corners and sidewalks waited in anticipation with personalized merchandise as large crowds formed, supporters showed up in customized Trump fashion, and state police as well as a large security presence secured perimeters and blocked off nearby streets.
You also got an overwhelming smell of hot dogs and burgers as some vendors offered a free food item with your merchandise purchase. Music played on loudspeakers, cars passing by honked their horns and the crowd lines buzzed with conversation and chanted things like “Trump” and “U.S.A.”
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Inside the arena, the concession stands were opened to service hungry rallygoers, people danced to energizing music, and lots of security, including secret service, were around checking people in and scoping perimeters.
Excited people made their way to their seating areas carrying political signs, drinks and freshly popped popcorn to enjoy the commentary. There were even music videos playing on both jumbo screens in between speakers to keep the crowd on their feet.
What did supporters at the rally think?
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Amongst the thousands that attended and participated in the rally, many had the same kind of outlook as to what they thought and how they were feeling. The term ‘unity’ and ‘focus’ were frequently used when describing the Republican side of the race.
Karis Blubaugh, of Michigan, said not much can sway the minds of those who support Trump, and that she isn’t concerned when it comes to the Democratic Party and President Joe Biden.
“Trump supporters will support Trump regardless. We’re not worried so much about what’s going on, on the other side of the party line. We’re focusing on the strength of our side.”
“I love this country and all the great people in it,” said Steve Evans, of Jonestown, Pennsylvania. “I’m wanting to hear that our president [former, Trump] will be our president again.”
What did Trump speak about?
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When it was time for Trump to grace the stage, spectators in the crowd were already amped up by those who talked before him. Individuals running for political positions in Michigan spoke, Vance addressed the crowd early and returned later to introduce Trump as he walked out, even a man who was identified as a U.A.W. worker was brought onto the stage from the crowd to say a few words.
While at the podium, Trump called for “national unity” following the shooting incident in Butler, Pennsylvania where he was wounded in the ear, poked several jabs at Democrats and shut down the idea that he is a threat to democracy.
“Last week I took a bullet for democracy,” said Trump as he addressed the crowd.
He even suggested that “immigration saved my life” and “I owe immigration my life” when referring to his previous rally, when he had turned and pointed to a sign about border immigration causing the bullet to graze his ear instead of doing much worse.
Speaking for more than 100 minutes, the length of his speech inside Van Andel Arena surpassed the record-length 90-minute delivery he gave on day four of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Trump rally in Grand Rapids, MI
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