Rallygoers praise Trump for dedication
CONNOQUENESSING TWP — There were a lot of other places former President Donald Trump could have been on Saturday night, if not campaigning to settle back into the Oval Office.
“I could be in Monte Carlo, for example,” Trump said during his speech at his return campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, “but I’d rather be in Butler.”
Among talk of policies, promises and commemoration of Corey Comperatore, Trump stressed the fact that he didn’t have to run for a second presidency, but because he feels it’s what’s best for the American people.
“He could be there, but he understands that this country is worth fighting for and he’s going to stand in the line of fire if that’s what it takes,” said Kathy Tinker, of Seneca. “This is a country that was fought for and died for with blood, now his blood.”
“I think he’s a man for the people,” said Mike Zinkhan, who lives north of Baltimore. “He doesn’t need this. He’s not doing it for his ego or anything else. He’s doing it because he knows the country needs this. … I don’t think anybody else is capable of making the change that he’s capable of making.”
Trump began his address with a joke, quipping “As I was saying,” before turning to look at the immigration graphic he’d been looking at just before the assassination attempt on July 13.
“I was here when he got shot, and I was really appreciative that he started with the graphic because that’s where it got ended,” Tinker said.
Some attendees felt there was a shift in Trump’s tone and message.
“It was very nice as it relates to Corey — his passing — and the others that were hurt here,” said Tom Molenda, of the Wexford area. “As it relates to the country itself, I thought it was, I think, very patriotic. … You felt love.
“I’ve heard him speak before. He obviously has his pitch that he does, but I think today he was trying to talk about togetherness, unity, love. You know, not really a Republican/Democrat thing, but an American thing.”
Tinker agreed with that sentiment.
“The sincerity, the compassion, the truth in his voice that says ‘I love America, I love you’ — that’s what I take away from it,” Tinker said. “That ‘I’m here for you and for no other reason.’”
Molenda traced it all back to Trump’s affection for those he’s aiming to lead once again.
“The gentleman’s at least a hundred-millionaire, if not a billionaire,” Molenda said. “He’s basically done everything he can in his life in terms of success. … He’s been convicted of all these crimes. They’re trying to take him off the ballots. The poor guy’s been shot at ...
“You can say what you want about the gentleman. Sometimes he speaks what he thinks, but he loves his country — and I don’t think you can argue that.”
