Trump’s Triumphant Return

by Brian Michael Smith

Leading up to Trump’s election as President of the United States, rally’s were very common for the billionaire developer. It was his way of reaching out to the masses with his messages and agendas. He was well on his way to Making America Great Again. We were there during his rally in February of 2016 at USF in Tampa, and when Trump took to the stage on July 31 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, also in Tampa, we were there again. But this time, in much better seats.

I got a special invite this time around – no press pass necessary. Friend Ben Pumo, owner of Benedetto’s Italiano Ristorante, 21529 Village Lakes Shopping Center Dr. in Land O’ Lakes, FL, is also the NFIB Florida PAC Chairman. NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) is “the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals.”

The NFIB sent Ben Pumo two VIP invites, and he extended one of them to me. This meant that we were seated behind Trump during his address to the massive audience. Speaking of which, the crowd was so large that thousands couldn’t get in. Trump’s team learned from the past, so they installed a large projector and speakers outside for the ones who couldn’t squeeze inside. Don’t believe the media, I saw it firsthand.

The anticipation was an anxious one. To be just several feet away from our president to show our support was an amazing opportunity, and we both made the very best of it.

Trump didn’t miss a beat, nor did he disappoint his supporters. His message was quite consistent, as he touched on not only the accomplishments over the months since being elected, and the agenda for the future, including the battle to ‘drain the swamp’ as he promised to do upon being sworn in as president. Trump had another motive for his visit to Florida. He was also there to officially endorse Ron Desantis, who is running for Governor of Florida.

Of course, the media got their usual dose of reality, but this time, it was from the crowd. While CNN reporter Jim Acosta was broadcasting live, rally-goers chanted, “CNN sucks!” It’s worthy to note that CNN did not broadcast the event.

Of course, there were the usual protesters, but not really in large numbers. It would appear that Trump supporters are tiring of the constant attacks, and are fighting back with counter protests. This may be playing a part in smaller protest crowds.

Trump also showed his humorous side. When addressing his critics who say that Trump doesn’t act presidential enough, he had quite the comeback, saying, “It’s a lot easier to act presidential than to do what I do.”

On his way to the stage exit, Trump stopped long enough to autograph a baseball, and playfully throw it back.