Donald Trump rallies crowds in Manassas, Virginia.Over a thousands citizens packed an indoor complex at the Prince William Fairgrounds in Manassas, Wednesday evening, to hear Republican presidential primary front-runner Donald Trump deliver his “Make America Great Again,” message.
Donald Trump’s message resonated with Prince William citizens who said were tired of politicians doing things the usual way. They also responded to his charisma.
“It’s a movement,” said "Pastor Steve" Parson, one of several African America pastors who traveled with Trump, making the argument that Trump supports the African American community.
“Make America Great Again” was pretty self-explanatory. Trump seemed frustrated by a United States that was much less powerful or successful than it had been in the past.
We Don't Win Anymore
“We don’t win anymore,” Trump said. “Surprise,” one woman responded.
He lamented that the U.S. no long wins in its military, foreign policy or economy.
“It’s all about winning,” he said at one point, then correcting himself, to say, “It’s really about making America great again.”
Trade Imbalance
Trump pined for the days when American’s still made things. He promised to correct the trade imbalance between the U.S. and Asian nations. A trade imbalance, he cited at $450 billion. (We found a $411 billion deficit between the U.S. and Asia in 2015).
"We're the dummies- so stupid. We're led by stupid people."
Foreign Policy
Trump invites several African American pastors and ministers on stage with him.He called the current U.S. leaders “stupid” for allowing the current state of affairs. Not only was Asia beating the U.S. in manufacturing, but their leaders do not worry at all about the environment, while the U.S. put the environment before job creation, and even before defeating ISIS.
He called Obama’s agreement with Iran ridiculous because they violated it and “the ink isn't even dry.”
He called for a more aggressive foreign policy stance, “No one is more militant than me.” And praised Russia for fighting ISIS, when Obama doesn’t know whom to fight.
"They're cutting off heads," he said; its like medieval times. "This is a vicious group of animals, and we have to stop them."
Citing another example of how America is run by a bunch of dummies, he noted that we took no spoils from our victory in the Iraq War.
Trump said we never should have gone to war in Iraq, but since we did, we should at least take their oil, saying we could give the money to the parents of veterans who lost their lives fighting in the war.
Police
Trump praised American Veterans and police officers alike. He said that most police officers were doing a great job, qualifying that there are some bad apples in every profession.
The Middle Class
Trump promised an improved economy that included tax cuts for middle-class families and businesses. He promised to keep social security and Medicare but also to fix them. Additionally, he said he would fix the VA medical system by utilizing existing and struggling hospitals.
Trump preaches to the crowd about how America doesn't win anymore.He said he would also care for the less fortunate, saying, “We won’t let them die on the street.” He rejected the idea that Republicans do not help the poor, saying his America would help everyone improve economically.
Health Care
He said that “Obama Care” was a “disaster,” that he would get rid of to replace with something better, elaborating that “Obama lied” 28 times when he told the American people they could keep their doctors and keep their plans.
Paying for College
Trump said he understands young people are having a difficult time getting jobs and paying back their college loans. He said the problems lies with government loans encouraging colleges that keep raising their prices.
The Media
Trump criticized the mainstream media as “dishonest,” at least 70 percent of them. He said he has been attacked again and again, but never gets the credit for the crowds at his events, which are bigger than those of Bernie Sanders, who he called “a joke.”
His Opponents
Trump bragged about the thousands who have come out to his events, his numbers in the polls, and his ability to get ratings for media corporations when he speaks or debates. He said he continues to brag about the polls because he can.
He also trash-talked his opponents. He asserted that Bush puts people to sleep; Hillary is too corrupt and does not have "the strength or the stamina to be presidents".
Trump said he stands with the silent majority, although they are not so silent anymore.He said that Rubio is too soft on illegal immigration and many other candidates are trailing so far behind they might as well give up rather than wasting everyone’s time.
Of Lindsey Graham, he said, "his plan is so bad; it's so stupid."
The Hispanic Vote
Trump tried to reach out to Hispanics. He claimed that even though he wants to build a wall along the Mexican border, Hispanics still love him. One Hispanic woman said just that during the question and answer session.
Trump said "the wall" to keep illegal immigrants out of the United States is doable. The ancient Chinese built a much larger wall. He said he could get Mexico to pay for it even though everyone said it can’t be done, noting, everyone also said he could not cancel the CBS debate, and he did.
However, Trump made a mistake when instead of saying hello to his Hispanic friends, he said “adios amigos.”
Ending Remarks
Trump took questions from the audience. The crowd mainly told him how they love him and his plan for America. One little boy asked him what he would make the wall out of.
Trump said he wanted to end on a high note, and agreed to take a question from Pastor Steve.
Trump took questions from the crowd.Pastor Steve, said that regarding Black Lives Matter, said there is more black on black crime in urban areas, and asked Trump to speak to black youth in Chicago, which Trump agreed to do.
The Protesters
The event was also attended by a sizable number of protesters, who mainly protested Trump's stance on immigration. When they began to chant outside the hall, Trump asked that they be removed "gently."
Some of Trump's message included obvious hyperbole, such as saying no one's ever seen crowds like this before, or the prediction that his African American vote would set new records when his crowd was overwhelmingly caucasian.
What Resonated with People
Prince William residents Bristow Beat spoke to said Trump was a "straight-shooter" and much different a breath of fresh air in comparison to other politicians.
The Washington area media came out in full force to cover the Trump event.
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