Former President Donald Trump made a triumphant return to large-scale rallies, captivating thousands of supporters on the streets of Pickens, South Carolina, in anticipation of the upcoming July 4 holiday. In the scorching heat, Trump acknowledged his admiration for the hardworking South Carolina patriots who prioritize God, family, and country.
The exact number of attendees in downtown Pickens remains unclear, but law enforcement estimates suggest that around 15,000 people had gathered by 11 a.m., two hours before Trump’s speech. This conservative stronghold is a sought-after location for GOP candidates, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, as well as the two South Carolinians in the race: former Governor Nikki Haley and Senator Tim Scott. However, none of them managed to attract a crowd as massive as Trump did, effectively bringing Pickens’ southern downtown to a standstill.
Compared to his previous campaigns in 2016 and 2020, Trump’s approach for the 2024 election has undergone notable changes. Instead of traditional venues like gymnasiums or airplane hangars, he launched his first South Carolina campaign event at the Statehouse in Columbia. In other states, he has focused on smaller events, including speeches at state party organizations, aiming to strengthen his relationship with delegates and local officials.
Saturday’s rally in Pickens marked only the second large-scale event of Trump’s 2024 campaign. In March, he rallied in Waco, Texas, passionately criticizing the prosecutors investigating him on hush-money charges. Unfortunately, a planned outdoor rally in Iowa had to be canceled due to tornado warnings in May.
While these rallies can be costly, Trump’s fundraising efforts have been fruitful, especially amid the legal challenges posed by the New York indictment and federal charges related to classified documents. Senior Trump aide Chris LaCivita revealed in an interview that these rallies can cost around half a million dollars each.
In addition to rallies, Trump’s campaign has adopted an approach that includes unannounced visits to restaurants, showcasing his enduring popularity among supporters. Recent stops include a renowned Philadelphia cheesesteak restaurant and Versailles, a famous Cuban eatery in Miami.
Despite a growing list of GOP competitors, Trump’s campaign has cited polls indicating his substantial lead over his rivals. Although his campaign schedule may seem less rigorous than that of his counterparts, Trump has actively engaged with the media, given frequent interviews, and participated in various multi-candidate events throughout the primary season, such as the recent Moms for Liberty gathering in Philadelphia.
The opportunity to witness Trump in person drew thousands of supporters from across the Southeast to Saturday’s rally. Attendees traveled from as far as Florida, lining up the previous night to secure their spot. Supporters like Greg and Robin Pressley, who have been with Trump since his first run in 2016, expressed their unwavering support for the former president’s policies and character.
Shelley Fox from Spartanburg enthusiastically declared her allegiance to Trump, stating that she didn’t even consider other candidates for the upcoming election. “I’d write him in,” she confidently claimed when asked about her alternative choice.
With his energetic return to the rally scene, Trump has reignited the fervor and loyalty of his supporters as he embarks on his journey toward the 2024 presidential election.
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