‘Man, I loved that’: Trump cheers South Carolina rally attender who hit protester
President was reportedly heckled at least nine times during campaign event for Darline Graham Multiple protesters were removed from Donald Trump’s rally at South Carolina’s Clemson University on Wednesday, including one who was apparently punched by a rally attender – to the US president’s delight. “That was great, man. Wow. Man, I loved that. I watched that,” Trump said. “That was incredible. Wow. That was…
Key points
- Donald Trump spoke at a campaign rally at Clemson University in South Carolina on Wednesday to support Senate candidate Darline Graham.
- Protesters were removed at least nine times, and Trump praised a rally attender who apparently punched one of them.
- A Reuters/Ipsos poll published Monday found 31% of Americans approve of Trump's job performance, a record low.
Donald Trump held a campaign rally at Clemson University in South Carolina on Wednesday, where multiple protesters were removed and one was apparently punched by a rally attender. The president welcomed the incident from the stage.
Trump was there to support Darline Graham, the sister of the late senator Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly in July from a heart condition. Graham holds her brother's seat after winning a special election and faces Democratic challenger Annie Andrews in her bid for a full six-year term.
Trump reacts to the punch
Trump praised the rally attender who apparently hit a protester, saying he had watched it happen. He compared the man to former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, who was also at the rally.
A pool report said the president was interrupted at least nine times by hecklers, and the crowd chanted "USA" as security escorted protesters out. One demonstrator who was removed was followed by an attendee who appeared to slap the person on the head.
That was great, man. Wow. Man, I loved that. I watched that.
— Donald Trump
Campaign context and polling
Protests have broken out often at Trump rallies in recent weeks as he has increased campaign stops ahead of the 3 November midterm elections. Trump often dismisses the demonstrations as the work of "paid protesters."
His 32-day campaign blitz has mostly taken him to Republican-leaning areas he won comfortably in past elections. A Reuters/Ipsos poll published Monday found 31% of Americans approve of his performance in office, a record low for the president.
