Donald Trump held a massive rally in Dallas on Monday evening. The purpose of the event was to warm up the audience for Wednesday evening’s CNN debate. Trump didn’t make any of his typically outrageous quotes, but the event is worth discussing because 20,000 attendees showed up to watch Trump speak. Not only do those numbers stand out, but scalpers reportedly sold tickets for up to $200 a piece. The event was free to watch on television, but Trump does have a rabid fanbase (which includes children).
Hey kid – you had it right the first time #DonaldTrump https://t.co/q57Duaeyf4
— Ellen Fleming (@EllenFlem) September 15, 2015
Trump’s speech was, as mentioned above, a warm up. This was a pep rally in the truest sense. Trump understands his power to draw ratings, and he encouraged the crowd to give a big “Boo!” to the media. Trump described people who make political donations as “losers.” He also very briefly touched upon tax cuts for the middle class and tax raises for “hedge fund guys.” And he gave a wink-nod to his “bleeding from her whatever” quotes about Megyn Kelly.
Otherwise, Trump’s words speak for themselves:
“Teleprompters. No teleprompters. We don’t want teleprompters.”
“We’re going to have so many victories that at some point they are just going to be coming out of your ears! I have to be careful what I say about coming out of somebody’s ears. I have to be careful! Nose, ears, eyes, those are the only places I’m talking about. The only.”
“We’re really killing it. We are killing it.”
“The debate. I hear they’re all going after me. Whatever.”
“We need somebody with great energy and great passion, with great deal-making skills. We need a closer.”
“We have to build a wall folks. A wall works.”
“We have a president who doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing.”
“By the way in the back — can you see it’s really my hair?”
The on-site crowd loved Trump, but at home, Twitter was not impressed.
Donald Trump:"I'm gonna do so amazing you won't believe it"
Brain dead crowd reacts as if they just heard an actual plan
I have a headache
— John (@linnyitssn) September 15, 2015
40 minutes into the speech. Trump has still not said a single thing about policy. All process. Fundraising, polls, TV deals, etc.
— Jeff Blehar is *BOX OFFICE POISON* (@EsotericCD) September 15, 2015
Trump. 35 mins in:
1. I'm rich
2. 'I'm surging w women'
3. My hair is real
4. Arnold doing ApprenticeTHIS is ur GOP front runner
— JustMe (@jsavite) September 15, 2015
30 min into his speech #Trump still hasn't said anything of value or anything policy-related. So…I'm sure he'll surge in the polls again!
— Michelle CG (@mconnley) September 15, 2015
https://twitter.com/Nero/status/643576435505037312
Trump explaining why every network is taking this speech… "If you get good ratings, they'll cover you even if you have nothing to say."
— Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) September 15, 2015
Not everyone in Dallas approved of Trump’s presence either. Protesters gathered outside the venue to yell, “Dump Trump!”