August 14, 2024 Dateline Asheville, NC
By Lois Weiss
During a speech that was supposed to be targeted to his economic policies, Donald J. Trump also ramped up his attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris.
"For nearly four years, Kamala has cackled as the American economy has burned," Trump observed. “Does anyone here feel richer under Kamala Harris and Crooked Joe than you were during the Trump administration? Is anything less expensive?”
The small, indoor venue in Asheville, North Caroline left many stranded online and standing on sidewalks in the intense summer heat. Billed as “remarks,” the event still drew thousands to the touristy progressive enclave in western North Carolina, known more for its arts and crafty East Village atmosphere than its southern charm.
Prayers before President Trump's speech in Asheville, NC
It is also the home of the historical Biltmore Estate, where it costs $60 -- more on the weekends -- just to drive onto the grounds and $90 and up to tour its massive building.
As Trump began speaking inside the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah’s Cherokee Center. the roughly 2,300 that were lucky to get inside began cheering “We love Trump,” leading him to say, “Boy, that is a very frisky group.”
Against a dark blue backdrop, 17 American flags flanked vertical banners proclaiming “No Tax on Social Security” and “No Tax on Tips” with a lectern in the middle.
When Democrats say they want to stop MAGA, Trump wondered, “That’s Make America Great again. What do you want to stop it for?”
Warm up speakers included North Carolina's Rep. Chuck Edwards, Sen. Ted Budd and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson who is in an uphill battle for the state’s top office due to personal attacks on positions and his family.
North Carolina's Rep. Chuck Edwards
North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is running for governor
One cute moment came when Trump proffered up plastic boxes of his favorite green Tic Tacs to show how inflation has caused the box to shrink.
Tic Tac boxes used to be bigger
2,300 Trump supporters were lucky to get inside the small auditorium
“On my first day back in the Oval Office," Trump promised, "I will sign an executive order directing every Cabinet secretary and agency head to use every tool and authority at their disposal to defeat inflation and to bring consumer prices rapidly down. It will be a whole of government effort to raise the standard of living and make American lives affordable again."
“Vote Trump, and your incomes will soar, your savings will grow, young people will be able to afford a home, and we will bring back the American dream, bigger, better and stronger than ever before.”
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