Thread by @MommaElyse

@SharylAttkisson Sharyl, I attended, against my older-and-wiser cautiousness, to see for myself how #fakenews would “interpret” the #TrumpRallyNH It was packed, w/ exception of seats behind large press stand & tippy-top rafter seats, obstructed views. Talked to ladies who arrived 6:30 from.. (1)

@SharylAttkisson ..Berlin, NH (3 hr drive) only to be denied entry because “they were dismantling the metal detectors”. Right before Trump’s entrance so I’m assuming part of security plan. Ladies not disappointed to be outside arena at Jumbotron, though. Don’t know how many were out there. (2)

@SharylAttkisson I stood in line for four hours in an empty lot surrounded by positivity, people sharing food & water on a super hot day, sharing excitement & stories about Trump - why they voted or did not vote for him before, why they support him now, how they deal with vehement or hostile (3)

@SharylAttkisson ..political disagreement in families, offices, friendships. How frightened they were for the country’s future. How pissed off at the biased media, and more themes. There was some anxiety about the line not moving, some grumbling about line cutting, & then those that let people (4

@SharylAttkisson ..hold places, merge in, take breaks to go get a snack or beer. Total strangers. Most people I met from NH. Also a couple from Maine, family from NJ, about 5 different groups from MA. Younger & older (50+), but notably less of the late-20s early 30’s, unless they were w family (5

@SharylAttkisson And protesters? What protesters?! Nobody on line saw any protester. I saw 2-4 handwritten signs across the street. Maybe a handful, but definitely not 100. During the event two were escorted out, only noted because the crowd diverted its attention to the incidents to cheer. (6)

@SharylAttkisson My first (and last ) rally started like a rock concert, and then became a revival meeting! About 10-12 thousand, the majority sporting pro-Trump gear, already well-versed in the talking points & expected crowd response, e.g. booing at mentions of “fake news”, lock-her-up at (7)

@SharylAttkisson ..mentions of Hillary Clinton, etc. It was emotional, electric, with people seated near me with tears in their eyes, some outright crying. People who seem absolutely in sync with Trump’s words promoting patriotism, love of country, saving it from socialism, pro law enforcement (8

@SharylAttkisson Trump entered slowly to his usual Lee Greenwood song, and then tried to start talking at the podium but stalled for a solid 10 minutes, because the crowd kept cheering and standing in ovations; so he backed off the podium and clapped for the audience. Phenomenal moment. (9)

@SharylAttkisson He talked just short of two hours straight. No notes. No TelePrompter. An organized speech up front that then went off on tangents toward the end, as if he kept wanting to include one more point. NH references were up-to-date and on point. Shoutouts to several NH Republican (10

@SharylAttkisson notables, including the Governor and his father @JohnSununu . One medical incident in the standing crowd near the stage, where Trump showed the kindness the media seldom airs. Asked for a doctor from his microphone; waited quietly and patiently; said “take your time” several (11

@SharylAttkisson @JohnSununu ..times, nodding at the EMTs; praised the crowd for cooperating; applauded the police & emergency personnel, etc. It took a few minutes, & he was nonplussed. Did not talk over this event, just waited. And amazingly fast, recovered the audience and momentum quickly afterwards. (12

@SharylAttkisson I have to say, it was unforgettable. And I’ve seen plenty of legendary rock stars. This was right up there.

I hope this adds to your reputable repertoire of ’real’ news. I have good photos of rally lines, interior arena. Feel free to DM.
Apologies for the lengthy thread.

End.

@SharylAttkisson 10a) I just found out there were TelePrompters on the stage on either side of him. Apologies, from my POV we couldn’t see them.
He spoke very naturally.
Here’s the livestream: