Donald Trump Connecticut Rally: Trump Fires Up Supporters

HARTFORD, CT- Donald Trump came out fired up Friday night to the delight of thousands of supporters in attendance at the Convention Center in Hartford.

The crowd roared as Trump walked onto the stage promptly at 7 p.m. to "Get Ready for This."

Trump opened with some red meat for his Connecticut audience saying, ‘let’s bring some jobs to Connecticut.” He quickly transitioned into another popular topic for his supporters, which is reiterating his plan to build a wall at the border, which drew thunderous applause.

He repeatedly called Ted Cruz, ‘Lyin Ted,” dismissed John Kasich as a NAFTA supporter, which Trump said is bad for Connecticut. About 7,000 people attended and 1,000 people were left outside once capacity was reached, police said.

Trump told supporters it’s time to take back their country and he asked, “are we going to be stupid anymore?”

He said the current administration has “no clue,” which led to chants of “USA, USA, USA.”

Trump also took aim at Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, but never mentioned Malloy by name.

“I’ve lived in Connecticut, I love Connecticut, we lost GE. How do you lose GE?” Trump said. “...If I were governor I wouldn’t be losing GE.”

• Related story: Trump's Presence in Hartford Draws Lovers and Haters To The Sidewalk - And Even Some Out Of The Closet

He also noted that Hartford County's application for food stamps has increased to 54,000 people and he said “we need jobs.” Trump said Connecticut’s manufacturing jobs have been cut from a high of 307,000 to just 159,000 currently.

“If elected president I’ll bring our jobs back and our companies back,” Trump said.

Trump also took aim at Hillary Clinton calling her a “disaster,” “joke” and a “liar.” He said Clinton would fail in bringing jobs back to Connecticut adding that “Wall Street owns” her.

Bernie Sanders didn’t get a pass either. Trump called him a “communist basically.”

Trump expressed optimism that he’ll reach the number of delegates needed before the convention. He did say the delegate process was a joke and needs to be fixed.

During the rally a handful of protesters spoke out and were removed, and Trump kept saying for them to be thrown out but also nicely. After a few disruptions Trump said that many protesters are paid to be at his events or they don’t know why they are there.

“I feel bad for them,” he said.

He also ridiculed the media repeatedly and called them "dishonest."

“Trump rallies are the safest place to be on earth,” Trump said, while adding that his supporters love each other and now is the time to unite a divided country.

Trump closed his 30-minute address by saying a vote for him for president will be the “greatest vote” of a person's life.

“That is when America becomes great again. That’s when America is winning again,” Trump said to a thunderous ovation.

Attendees filed outside after the event and had to walk by a number of protesters. Protesters had various signs including Black Lives Matter to messages calling Trump a racist. Trump supporters started chanting "U.S.A" and overwhelmed the sound of the protest.

Before Trump arrived there was a spirited but civil debate between protestors and supporters outside.

Mike Nuzzi, of Hamden, said the Republican nomination process would be unfair if Trump didn't become the nominee with his lead in delegates.

"We need to change the system," he said. "It's like if the Broncos won the Super Bowl and they gave the trophy to someone else."

He agrees with Trump on a number of issues, but said he hopes Trump will tone down his rhetoric in order to reach voters who agree with his ideas, but are uncomfortable with his behavior.

One of the most important issues is immigration and Trump's proposed wall at the Mexican border. Nuzzi said that he has no problem with immigrants coming through legally and that his own grandparents came through Ellis Island legally.

Gregg and Theresa Mihalko came from Plantsville to support Trump. Both said they agree with Trump on the majority of issues. For Theresa changing the health care system is important, she said. When she first retired she paid $17 a month for health insurance and after Obamacare went into effect she now pays $623.

They both said they were excited to vote in the presidential primary and never have done so before.

Gregg said that he is worried about the Republican National Committee trying to derail Trump's chance of becoming the nominee.

"I'd leave the Republican Party," he said if someone other than Trump became the nominee.
"If they sabotage their own candidates then forget it."

But of course, not everyone who is at the Convention Center Friday supports Trump.

Madeline Adam-Kearns of Eastford, said she has a homemade crying Statue of Liberty sign saying "he is not suited to serve as president and besides I do not think he will win."

One Connecticut resident, who didn't give his name, said he bought a Trump mask for Halloween and added a "Hitler mustache" to it today and make a Swastika as well to protest Trump.

"I am against bigots of all kinds," he said.

Walter Cheatem, of Hartford, said he opposes Trump because of trickle down economics, which only ensures rich people like Trump get richer. He called Trump the "anti-Christ," and added that at least his comments have sparked new discussions concerning racial issues in America again.

Joe Gaffey, of Wallingford, said he came to see Trump because his friend works for Trump's campaign. He said he cares about his country but he's tired of the partisan politics and says all politicians should focus on improving the country.

Gina-Marie Lane, of Windsor Locks, said she is a "closet Trump fan" and believes there are more people out there who also support Trump but won't admit it. She said she respects his record of helping veterans but disagrees with him on abortion.

"He says what needs to be said about terrorism and I believe he would not be afraid to act if something happens on this soil," Lane said.

• Get Patch's Free Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts in Connecticut

Photos and reporting by Rich Scinto and Chris Dehnel who are live in Hartford