Throughout I would surf reddit but never actually participated in the discussions. Today marks the day I finally made an account and I figured I would describe to you all how my experience went at Trump rally from a Hispanic/Latino's perspective with a college degree. I noticed the media, newspapers, social media etc (you name it) are finally realizing that President Trump is a strong possibility. Ive seen everything about how hes a racist, bigot etc and hopes something will stick. Well folks, at the rally it's a different environment. I went to the Vegas rally on Monday.
I arrived just after 11a and got in line in hopes to get a prime position to see Trump. Timing worked out perfect, about 75 people were ahead of me. My first impression was that this rally was going to be a bust. You hear about how people wait long crazy hours to get in, you always hear Trump talk about the size of his crowds, well, Ill be honest, I was thinking already the rally was going to be a disappointment.
I went to the rally by myself so I was standing/sitting in line listening to music/news for about 2 hours or so. I really didnt bother to make an effort to chat with others, mainly because I was tired (left at 5am to make the trip from California) and didnt want to talk to "low educated" people. I know that sounds awful to say, but the impression the media always gave was that these people are total kooks. I mean, theyre voting for Trump, they must be CRAZY!
Anyways, I figured I would wait until it was closer time for the doors to open that I would begin to chat with them. That way if these people really were crazy, I would only have to chat with them for about an hour and go into the venue. I kept tuning into my music but noticed that people around were all chatting among each other. I was the ONLY one not having any sort of interaction with anyone, instead i was ignoring the crowd with my headphones on. Out of the blue I had an older gentlemen, white, big long beard wearing a "BUILD THAT WALL" shirt approach me(he was about 5 people ahead of me) and offered me a slice of pizza.
Let me tell you folks, I was in shock. I kindly declined only because I had just ate a huge meal at the buffet. "We noticed you sitting there for a long time now! what time did you get in line?!" to old man said. And just like that a conversation was sparked. He introduced me to his wife and his sister in law.
So now I am in a conversation with 3 HUGE Trump supporters(Drudge Header had the picture of the lady in Pink) and I wonder how this is going to play out. Its very clear I am of Latino descent but these people didnt see my skin color. They wanted to get to know me as a person. Asking about what I do for fun, for living, what got me to consider Trump etc. Simple basic questions but seem genuinely interested. I looked at my phone and 45 mins few by without noticing and then i turn around and the line had exploded. The 3 Trump supporters I met went back up in line and started chatting with others. 2 mins later, I had another lady mentioned she too came out from California to come to this rally. And again, another interesting conversation with another Trump supporter. But the group eventually got to about 8 people in total having a legit discussion regarding issues.
Before coming into this rally I went in thinking these people would potentially be clueless when it comes to politics and how government works...well lesson learned. I might have met the MOST politically informed group or people. These people were on top of everything that is going on. I dont know how to describe it, but the notion that these people are stupid is very condescending to say the least. Middle aged women with over 2k twitter followers showing me articles where the "MSM lies". Now I dont think the MSM necesssarily lies, but instead presents a skewed report. There "anger" was demonstrated at its highest when the discussion of the media came up.
But after having conversations with about 20 trump supporters while waiting in line, I didnt see the anger. What i saw was PASSION. now it will be debatable to everyone what "passion" means, but these people looked at the bigger picture Trump is presenting.
Finally we begin to enter the arena and I score a prime seat. At the end row, close to the rail about 20 feet from the stage. I thought the energy was intense during the waiting room, well there was a prerally before the rally. People were walking around in customs taking pictures(the two big hits was Elvis and Trump-look alike), People going to grab their popcorn and nachos and they were even doing the wave! People were having Fun. I saw it all, blacks chatting among whites. Browns chatting with Asians. You name it. THE most diverse rally I have been to this year(Bernie, Rubio, Trump). I sat near vet whom I exchanged email address and are currently in touch with both. Near me were Canadians for Trump. Behind me was a Hispanic family of 5. It was a melting pot. Kind of weird if you think about it when he is called a divider/racist/bigot consistently.
Now for the rally itself, it depends what you classify what makes a great speaker, but once you actually go to a Trump rally, youll understand he is a GREAT speaker live in person. I dont know how to describe it but watching him on TV doesnt offer the same energy as if you were in person. From the crowd going crazy when he said he wanted to punch a protester to the time he was taking on the special interest. The audience was always engaged.
Personally I didnt even look at the time and before you know it, he was wrapping up his speech. As soon as he started to concluded, I rushed up to the rail in hopes that he would walk the line and sign my poster and if im lucky to even get a picture with him. Well everyone, the trip couldnt have ended any better. I scored an awesome signature from Trump himself and scored and epic selfie(Trump actually looked into the camera). Of course I was stoked that he took the effort for that. Especially when other candidates dont even bother walking the rope line or take the time to sign anything. Well Trump walked along the entire rail. He signed and took pictures for about 30 mins after his speech.
As I started to walk out and I had other excited supporters tell me about their experience and how they cant wait to "Make America Great Again". I left the arena completely in shock as I couldnt believe what had just happened. Now, I figure I would share my experience with people on the board to give a glimpse of a Trump Rally. Now I am sure everyone will have a different experience but the big take away from all this I learned, is to always keep an open mind. These supporters werent stupid, racist or bigots. Sure, those bad grapes stand out, but a strong majority isnt like them. I hope people who, like myself, dont really post but instead lurk around get to see this and get a better understand of a Trump Rally. Yes I will be voting for Trump 2016.
Make America Great Again.
Not sure how this experience will play out with others that go but if people have questions Ill answer them as non biased as possible. Looking forward to the debate!
ps;sorry for any spelling or grammar. didnt proof read.
TLDR; Hispanic goes to a Trump rally that turns out to be very diverse, meets new friends, gets autograph and picture with Trump. Had a great time and is 100% voting Trump.
also, it seemed like I accidentally deleted my previous thread when I went to try and edit the post. I wanted to add some pictures but it seems like I might have deleted my experience on accident.
http://imgur.com/rUcGMPs signed poster
http://imgur.com/H8fJhJc 2 feet from Trump.