Trump doesn’t slight Rhode Island

By John Howell
Posted 4/26/16

“The Donald” didn’t disappoint.

Donald Trump came to Rhode Island on Monday, although until Sunday it didn’t look like that would happen before today’s primary. He …

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Trump doesn’t slight Rhode Island

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“The Donald” didn’t disappoint.

Donald Trump came to Rhode Island on Monday, although until Sunday it didn’t look like that would happen before today’s primary. He bashed his two fellow contenders for the Republican nomination, asking his audience at the Crowne Plaza whether they would vote for a man who eats the way John Kasich does or for a “stuttering, stammering” Ted Cruz. He didn’t leave out Hillary Clinton or President Barack Obama, either.

“The guy takes a six-month vacation twice a year,” he said of the president. As for Clinton, he said, “I’m going to bring back jobs to this country. Hillary doesn’t have a clue.” Bernie Sanders was dismissed without a mention.

There were the chants of “Build that wall,” and cheers when he chastised the state for taking in Syrian refugees.

“We can’t let this happen. Lock your doors,” he said.

Trump’s first words, however, had nothing to do with politics.

“Leave Tom Brady alone,” he said, referencing a court’s decision to reinstate the New England Patriots quarterback’s four-game suspension. There were resounding cheers.

Next, Trump wanted to get a “bigger tent.” More cheers.

He had a point. The 700-person capacity of the hotel tent was rapidly reached, leaving lines estimated at more than 1,500 standing outside and hopeful of gaining a glimpse of the candidate arriving or leaving the rally. People even lined the airport fence on Industrial Drive with their cell phones to get a picture of the Trump jet as the candidate left the state for the next campaign stop in Pennsylvania.

Richard Cascella was one of the lucky ones to get in. He was seated in an upholstered chair as the line to get into the tent inched forward.

Referring to the chair that was being thrown out, he likened his action to that of Trump. “I saw an opportunity so I took advantage of it,” he said.

Known in Warwick political circles, Cascella believes Trump would be a tough negotiator and ventured he would leave behind his shoot-from-the-hip style of politics if elected president, yet continue to stand up for the country.

“In this world you have got to get to the point and go belly to belly with the people,” he said.

Trump said he didn’t follow the advice of some of his staff who reasoned he didn’t need to bother with Rhode Island because he would win the primary anyway.

“I’m bothering,” he said to overwhelming cheers and waving of signs. As directed before appearing on stage in a recorded message, groups within the audience chanted “Trump, Trump, Trump” when a protester or heckler was identified.

“Get them out of here,” Trump said, pointing as staff escorted clusters of protestors out. There were two incidents, which added to the circus atmosphere.

WPRO radio host John DePetro warmed the crowd along with Warwick Rep. Joseph Trillo, honorary chairman of the Trump campaign in Rhode Island.

“Kasich and Cruz remind me of a movie filmed right here in Rhode Island, ‘Dumb and Dumber,’” DePetro said. Trump said Kasich and Cruz are so weak that together they can’t beat him, although he labeled the party nomination process as “rigged.”

The real color was in Trump’s words that galvanized his supporters.

Speaking about Kasich, Trump said: “I’ve never seen a human being eat in such a disgusting manner. Do you want this guy president?” He said Kasich takes huge bites, “pushing it in.” He likened Cruz to a whining child calling for a debate.

“Honestly, folks, let’s not waste our time,” he said.

It’s the kind of talk that caught Mary O’Sullivan’s attention last summer. The Newport resident said when she heard “about all the crazy stuff about Trump,” she checked it out and found him genuine.

“He’ll change the way politics is run. It’s not working,” she said.

Retired Warwick elementary school principal Kathleen Keenan said attending a political rally was on her bucket list, so when she heard Trump was going to be here, she made a point of being at the Crowne. Keenan plans to vote today. She didn’t disclose for whom.

“We’re going to win so much some of you may get tired of winning,” Trump said at the end of his speech, adding that as president he’ll keep winning for the American people.

With reports from Mason Cocroft

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