Donald Trump Asks People To Pledge Support Before Entering VT Rally

Trump came to Sanders’ adopted hometown hoping to expand his support beyond neighboring New Hampshire, where he is leading in the polls, and show his ability to garner large crowds in a rural blue state in which Republican presidential candidates seldom spend time.

In 2000, when Trump advanced the notion of a Reform Party presidential campaign, he shared his desire to ban all “assault weapons” while increasing the waiting period required for purchasing a firearm. Why would a Republican front-runner, still trying to get the party’s nomination, spend a Thursday evening campaigning in a state that has voted Democrat in presidential elections since 1992?

It was a 1,400 seat venue (packed beyond capacity as with most of Trump’s appearances) and they handed out 20,000 tickets in advance. He was first in line to see Trump, and he’s not even a supporter. “And I said no I’m not and he immediately gesture toward the police and said you need to leave”, said Katina Cummings, protestor. One thing in common – they both spoke on the issue at separate events Thursday night.

Finn Yarbrough of Ferrisburgh planned to join a number of people in a silent vigil to protest Donald Trump’s rhetoric.

As protesters drowned out Trump voices screaming “Bernie! And it’s the responsibility, in my opinion, of citizens to rise up and meet that challenge”, said Albert Petrarca. At another point, those backing the billionaire businessman tried to drown out protesters by booing and chanting “Trump”. “What a handsome group of people”. I say appears because, as has been common practice for his campaign, Trump and his staff have declined to elaborate on what exactly the candidate is proposing.

Inside, the scene was often rowdy, with the crowd cheering wildly when Trump repeated his vow to build a wall on the border with Mexico.

Trump held his Green Mountain State gathering as President Barack Obama held a town hall to field questions on his newly introducedproposals to heighten gun-control restrictions.

On a conference call with supporters shortly after Trump’s remarks, Sanders responded, “I would love to run against Trump and I think we would not only win, I think we would win with a very good margin”. “My first day, it gets signed, okay?” “My first day. There’s no more gun-free zones”, said Trump. Back in November, he made headlines for calling a protester fat. Each time, Trump took pleasure in instructing the local police to usher them out. Ya, don’t give him his coat. Don’t give him his coat. “You can keep his coat”. “It’s about 10 degree below zero”.

Deb Wells-Stone, also of Burlington, attended Sanders’ campaign launch last May and said she wanted to hear from other candidates.