I went to the Trump rally as a liberal, here’s what I learned | Column

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s own. They are not representative of The Daily Collegian or its board of editors.

When I learned Donald Trump planned to visit State College for a rally in the Bryce Jordan Center last Saturday, I thought, “Lord, have mercy.”

In a swing state and county, I feared the crowd he’d draw, his lies cleverly hidden behind rhetorical pandering and the almost inevitable bigotry he’d spread to students and members of Centre County.

My past columns centered on my complaints about letting such speakers come to campus and the threats they pose to certain communities at the university.

I could use this article as an opportunity to again voice this concern about the school’s decision to let Trump campaign on campus, but I won’t, because I attended this rally — not to show support, but to experience Trump’s rhetoric for myself and understand how so many look past and justify his hate.

As more individuals, Kamala Harris included, begin to accurately conceptualize Trump as a fascist, it finally feels like Americans are recognizing Trump as un-American and a threat to democracy.

I believe Trump doesn’t have the United States’ best interest in mind with his agenda, nor does his idea of America truly consider marginalized communities or the left’s values.

Rather, Trump is using his cult of personality to propel himself into office to absolve his past crimes and establish a lasting influence in this country — one primarily sculpted by the Heritage Foundation.

With this thought in mind, I’m afraid of how another Trump presidency could impact this country. While many claim nothing substantial would change, I truly have a hard time believing that’s so.

At his rally, I witnessed an emphasis on religion that exceeds the separation of church and state, the denial of science, blatant xenophobia, nationalism that seemingly protects Trump, and the scariest of all — a crowd with unwavering support.

Trump seemingly looks out for those who feel forgotten or villainized by the Democrats and reject the supposed status quo. While one may dismiss his following as foolish or cult-like, they have the power to swing the election in his favor — especially in Pennsylvania.

Much feels at stake in this election, but the United States’ democracy, legitimacy and ethos feel especially at risk. If I asked some of the Trump supporters at the rally last Saturday, I’m sure they’d say the same.

Trump’s rhetoric largely relies on conspiracy and fearmongering aimed at dividing the American people.

In his speeches, he claims the media is fake, the Democrats are corrupt cheaters and that he’s under attack for speaking the “truth.”

One can easily interchange “Trump” with “United States” in these contexts because that’s ultimately what Trump aims to protect — a United States run by himself.

Up until this rally, never in my life has it felt wrong to say the Pledge of Allegiance; but, in the BJC that day, I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

The discomfort I felt at that moment, which I’m sure pales in comparison to those with differing identities from myself, made me better realize the Trump campaign’s reality.

The vision of America that many expressed their allegiance to that day hid intolerance, hate and white Christian nationalism behind blind patriotism, state’s rights, an “us vs. them” mentality and hollow promises for economic improvement.

Although I left the State College rally skeptical of Trump’s ability to win, I became aware that the odds may favor him more than I’d like to admit.

With only a few days left in the race, I remind myself that Trump, as unserious as he may seem, is dangerous and can change the United States for the foreseeable future.

However, I also remind myself that the Republican Party has drastically changed since Trump entered it and pushed it to ideological extremes.

This election is important; a Kamala Harris victory will hopefully restore the Republican Party and Trump supporters to a more moderate state, as Trump said he doesn’t see himself running for president again if he loses.

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Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this column are the columnist’s own. They are not representative of The Daily Collegian or its board of editors.