Hello from Charlotte, NC -- Trump is on the way for a #MAGA rally -- some rallygoers have been in line since last night. And it's been raining heavily here.
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One of my 2016 media coverage regrets: I never went to a Trump rally. So this fall I planned on attending one. In this thread, I'll share some of my observations from Charlotte
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CNN correspondent and producer are here. A loud "CNN SUCKS" chant broke out when reporters lined up for their 5pm live shots. Then a man walked over to me and said, "nothing personal."
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People still streaming in. Best vantage points are taken, but there's some room left. At the front entrance, an organizer says, "Anyone looking for seats, head to section 127 or 128!"
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Lots of reporters have pointed this out, and I'm seeing it firsthand: Groups jeer CNN here, but individuals ask for selfies and say "we're glad you're here." Yes, some are insulting, but many others are friendly. I've been having so many conversations, not much time to tweet.
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Relatively quiet in the arena. Then all of a sudden, an announcer says "ladies and gentlemen..." and the crowd ROARS... "the 45th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump!" Long walk to stage. "USA" chant now.
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As you might've noticed, my tweets are a bit delayed because cell phone reception is shaky in here! He's in media-bashing mode now. Boos, then more boos. Some supporters turn around & point at us in the press pen.
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This is what the press pen looks like.
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I've watched so many of these rallies on TV, I find myself mouthing some of the words, predicting the next line. It's like knowing the lyrics of a song, except the songs are about "chain migration" and "finishing the wall"
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Before Trump arrived, I heard a rallygoer talking to a group of others about the bomb suspect: "He was a LIBERAL! He was anti-Trump on his Facebook." She said "they" (didn't say who) "put stickers on his van, like, last night." The same woman then screamed anti-media sentiments.
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That's a wrap at the Bojangles Coliseum. You know that feeling in your ears when you're leaving a concert? Yeah, that.
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