Right now I’m in Blue Ridge-elevated Asheville, N.C. as a seasonal visitor. It serves as a welcome diversion from heat, humidity, hurricane paranoia and ever-ratcheting anti-woke politics. But some things are inescapable, namely our national politics. Trump held a rally in downtown Asheville recently, and I dropped by to observe the optics. What the hell was I thinking?
The line to get into the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium was long and wound down Haywood Street for nearly a quarter mile. A chain link fence kept Trump partisans separated from anti-Trump demonstrators. Luckily, I had a shady seat in front of a bistro to note-take at a political DMZ.
Optics, from Uncle Sam outfits and “Will Never Forget 1/6” signage to a banner declaring “One Nation Under God” with a skull and crossed assault rifles and crude invective were on full display. Both sides were yelling “USA” amid background music of “God Bless the USA” and “Macho Man”. Chants of “Nazi!” were countered by “No, you’re a Nazi.” Shouts of “Liberals suck” and QAnonesque “Baby Killers” were responded to with “Trump is a liar” and “Trump is a scumbag.” And more than a few F-bombs. Maybe the most deplorable sign was carried by a young teen: “Say No to the Hoe.” What the hell was I expecting other than a cacophony of crudeness?
And there was a digital “WEIRD” van nearby with Trump’s image. Enough. On the circuitous, security-expedited way out, there appeared ever more signage to sigh for. From “Proud Deplorable” and “I’m Voting for the Felon and the Hillbilly” to “Jesus is my Savior and Trump is my President.” Another day at the orifice.
But it could have been worse. I could have been inside hearing Trump blather that “Our country has become a Third World country.” Only with his compliance.
BTW, Trump prepaid $82,000 to rent the auditorium on a short-notice booking. When Trump left the White House in 2021, he left about $850,000 in unpaid rally debt. Most remain unpaid.