WATERBURY & BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) — Donald Trump held rallies in Waterbury and Bridgeport on Saturday. The first was held at Crosby High School in Waterbury at 10 a.m.
Jonathan Labeau was waiting outside the school at 4:30 in the morning to see Trump. It wasn’t his first rally.
#DonaldTrump #rally in #Waterbury this morning-people already waiting in line #CTPrimary @WTNH pic.twitter.com/ImkllFkFRU
— Renee Chmiel (@ReneeChmiel) April 23, 2016
“I was first in line at the Trump rally in Hartford,” he said. “It’s just a great experience to see him up close and personal.”
Labeau wasn’t alone. Hundreds of Trump supporters were waiting to see the Republican Presidential Candidate outside the school early this morning. They say it was worth waiting in the wet weather, since Trump “gets” them.
Inside the packed #TrumpRally in #Waterbury – it gets started in about 45 minutes #DonaldTrump #CTPolitics @WTNH pic.twitter.com/ot9palYUUh
— Renee Chmiel (@ReneeChmiel) April 23, 2016
“I just love him,” said Janet Spiridonakos. “I’ve never gotten involved in politics whatsoever and he’s just moved me.”
Not everyone standing outside was there to rally for Trump, however. A handful of protesters stood by the Trump supporters holding signs. They had a message for everyone there waiting in line.
#protesters gathering now in #Waterbury outside #DonaldTrump #rally #CTPolitics #CTPrimary @WTNH #TrumpRally pic.twitter.com/OUC1YE5PfX
— Renee Chmiel (@ReneeChmiel) April 23, 2016
“I just feel very strongly that Donald Trump’s views and words are not at all what I value,” said Annie Beierle.
The protesters didn’t go into the rally itself. People filled the school gym and cheered as Trump spoke about national problems and local issues.
@realDonaldTrump: we’re going to beat #ISIS very, very quickly. I have a plan #TrumpRally #CTPolitics @WTNH pic.twitter.com/dCMgf6Lr2z
— Renee Chmiel (@ReneeChmiel) April 23, 2016
“I love Waterbury. Waterbury has suffered tragically as a result of lost manufacturing jobs,” said Trump.
@realDonaldTrump: there have to be consequences for companies that leave our country #TrumpRally @WTNH #CTPolitics pic.twitter.com/oG7xbjPWsL
— Renee Chmiel (@ReneeChmiel) April 23, 2016
Trump’s supporters were excited to see him in person, and they believe he has what it takes to be the next president.
“He’s real and strong and he can’t be bullied,” said Spiridonakos. “I think we’re all like that.”
Trump left the rally attendees with a message: get out and vote in the primary on Tuesday.
@realDonaldTrump concludes #rally in #Waterbury by encouraging everyone to get out and vote #CTPrimary @WTNH pic.twitter.com/LJjamPjqRa
— Renee Chmiel (@ReneeChmiel) April 23, 2016
Trump then went to the Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport for a 12:30 rally.
The crowds were early, and the lines long, as Richard Baker waited hours to hear Trump speak.
Packed house in Bridgeport waiting the arrival of Donald Trump… Scheduled for 12:30. pic.twitter.com/j9dFSakANY
— Bob Wilson (@BobWilsonWTNH8) April 23, 2016
“I voted for Obama because he was the voice of change and for whatever reason he didn’t get it done and I’m hoping Donald Trump can get it done and that is why we are all here to support him,” said Baker.
And before the rally about a half a dozen protesters were escorted out by police and Secret Service just before Donald Trump entered the arena, and he came out swinging at the other two Republican candidates.
Trump takes stage in Bridgeport… pic.twitter.com/oPKEH6uJaz
— Bob Wilson (@BobWilsonWTNH8) April 23, 2016
“And even now we have three, I call it two, but I also called a half because I think we have a half a person running. Lyin’ Ted Cruz, there is absolutely no way he can win. Lyin’ Ted Cruz. He lies,” said Trump.
He had the same messages for Waterbury and Bridgeport; he’s going to stop jobs from going overseas, get rid of Obamacare, and beef up the military, and, of course, build the wall.
“And you have these guys on stage with me saying, ‘Donald you can’t really build a wall,’ can you believe this? We will throw that sucker up so fast. Who is in construction? We will throw that wall up so fast your head will spin right? You know that?” said Trump.
And his message hit home for Stacey Digiovanni of Monroe who is angry and tired of politics in Washington.
“I love him for what he stands for he is not afraid to speak his mind politicians aren’t really doing that great of a job these days so maybe a smart businessman,” said Digiovanni.
And after this, the candidates will keep on campaigning in Connecticut as they make the big push toward Tuesday.
