What Trump lacks in content, he makes up for in brashness.
Phil Roeder-via Flickr.com
Donald Trump had a very successful time at the Iowa fair. He is described by Martha Raddatz, of ABC News, as the star attraction. He arrived by helicopter, touching down on the outskirts of the fairgrounds in a $7 million Sikorsky S-76 helicopter. His campaign people then began offering children rides as if the chopper were one of the fair’s amusement park attractions. (Officials had balked at the idea of a helicopter taking place on the actual fairgrounds.) Trump walked through the fairgrounds, wearing a red “Make America Great” baseball hat and a blue blazer, waving to the crowd as he passed.
Donald Trump brushed off questions about his policy positions. “I don’t think the people care, I think the press do.” Trump said. “I’ve been getting politicians to pass whatever I wanted all of my life. Big New York City zoning deals are probably tougher than most of the things I’d be dealing with, with foreign countries.”
After allowing 15 minutes of questions, Donald Trump told the children who were standing behind him, and who were holding Trump signs and wearing Trump clothing, that it was time for helicopter rides. Among the cheering children stood 10-year-old Shay Doyle, a fifth-grader who is one of Donald Trump’s biggest fans.
“You can go to the fair and ride the Tilt-a-Whirl or ride on Trump’s private helicopter,” Ms. Tana Goertz, Donald Trump’s Iowa co-chair, stated. “These kids will never forget this experience.”
A mob of news reporters and fair-goers surrounded Trump’s golf cart, drifting around in a chaotic mass of camera phones, spilled beer and exotic smells. The chaotic mass moved past the Ultimate Brisket Bomb booth and toward the Agriculture Building, where the butter cow stands. As some onlookers patiently waited in line for a chance to take a picture with the butter cow, others crowded around Mr. Trump trying to get a glimpse of the real estate mogul turned presidential candidate. Donald Trump was unable to move through the crowd, and due to security issues, gave up on the idea of having a picture taken with the butter-made life-size bovine.
Donald Trump, who is the current front-runner in a crowded Republican field of presidential hopefuls, was surrounded by a combination of the curious and full-fledged fans. Sue Harrington, a 60-year factory worker wearing a “Trump for President” T-shirt, explained why she was supporting Donald Trump. “He tells it like it is,” Ms. Harrington said. “A lot of politicians just lie.”
“Pull the hat off! I want to see the comb over!” one man, who was holding a super chilled beer in the 90 degree heat, yelled at Trump.
Meghan Gascoigne, a 21 year old student who is studying social work, said it was on her “bucket list” to meet Mr. Trump. “I’d like to see him respect women,” she said. Her friend, Cathleen Nelson, said she was waiting to see him, “because he’s a celebrity.”
Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump have a few things in common. Not many, but a few. Both have become extremely popular because they are willing to be brash and speak the truth as they see it. Both want to break the status quo. And both are high energy. One difference, however, is Bernie Sanders has substance and well thought out policies. Trump does not.
Featured image via Phil Roeder-via Flickr.com
