ORLANDO, Fla.—As the crowds poured into the Amway Center, The Epoch Times asked Trump supporters a few questions about the president’s achievements and what he has to do to win over swing voters.
Sally Strealy, banquet server, greater Orlando area
What is the single most significant thing Trump has done since taking office?Our economy; I think it’s thriving. There’s plenty of jobs. Obviously, there are way more jobs than there are people to fill them. Which is a good thing, because everyone should have access to a job of some sort.
Just keep moving forward. And just being positive and rooting for the American people. That’s one of the top reasons why I like him—he’s for Americans, looking out for the best interest of America. And just keep moving forward despite all the … opposition. And I think it’s just because they don’t like him. I think it’s OK if you don’t like someone, but you should still be able to support them. They’re trying to do the best job that they can.
Probably the last election. He just seemed positive, he was different. I was looking for something different. And it just seems like everything else just kept moving backward and was for other people—not for the United States and the American people. I think he’s just been really positive, and he’s obviously shown that so far. Very proud of him, very thankful he’s our president.
Robert Meisenheimer, retired, central Florida
What is the single most significant thing Trump has done since taking office?I think he has turned this economy around, in many ways. Plus he’s taken a stand against the liberal establishment and he’s unlike any president in modern times. I think he’s the greatest president since Abraham Lincoln—Ronald Reagan being a close second.
I think Donald Trump needs to be Donald Trump, and not listen to any advisers. He has a very good instinct. And if he just continues to be himself and have the guts to tell it like it is, I think he will get the swing voters, regardless of all the horrendous negative press that he gets.
I initially supported Ted Cruz. But when [Trump] came down the escalator at Trump Tower and I heard him speak, that is when I became a Trump supporter—at that moment.
I think it’s great. It’s the first time I’ve been to any kind of Trump rally, and I’m loving it. It’s a very diverse crowd—old, young, men, women, white, black, brown, everybody. I think it’s great.
Gina Radice, Florida
What is the single most significant thing Trump has done since taking office? Oh my gosh. He’s made more jobs. Our economy is just booming. Our infrastructure, our construction, our whole outlook on everything has just advanced so majorly since Obama. It just went up—it could only go up. So I love him.I just think he needs to keep doing what he’s doing really, because, look at the last election, everyone was worried about the swing voters here in Florida. And he really came out ahead, a lot. But he just needs to keep promising what he’s doing and to do what he says he’s going to do.
I’ve been a Trump supporter since he announced his election, but I’ve always been a Republican. I like how raw and real and truthful he is. He’s not a liar like they say he is. He’s not fake like they say he is. He really is just an honest, good guy that cares about us: the people of the United States of America.
Hot but fun. I got here at 8 a.m., and we got right in line. So we’re going to be pretty close, we’ll get in the doors, definitely. I’m really, really excited. This is on my bucket list, and I’m doing it.
Tyler Bell, firefighter, Charlotte County, Florida
What is the single most significant thing Trump has done since taking office?Putting America first, the American value. I would say the southern border as well. It was a big issue for me.
I would say we’ve lost touch with our American values as far as putting America first, patriotism, the way the family operates, and how we’ve kind of lost touch with our morals.
He’s bringing the issue up, first of all. For a lot of years, it’s been just kind of shoved under the rug, whereas I think now it’s coming to light, and [we’re] realizing more that we’ve lost what we had—crime is doing better, employment is up. I don’t credit all that to Trump. I would say it starts here, with the American people, the civilians. But I will say that bringing up the message empowers people and allows them to be able to do that and maybe find within themselves what is possible to achieve.
Keep doing what he’s doing. Obviously, he’s not failing. The turnout here is amazing. So just keep up the energy.
I was a Bernie bro. Back in 2016, I was a Bernie supporter. And I went to one Trump rally just to try it out and the energy was amazing. I think that a lot of his [stances on] issues connected with me. And just doing my own research. I would say I’m liberal on many views, but economically conservative.
It’s amazing. Meeting a lot of people, a lot of different people, all kinds, from everywhere, all across the United States. I’m just here with my buddy.
Rachael Hankins, Tampa, Florida
What time did you get here?I got here about 6:30 this morning. There were about 2,000 people in line already, so it wasn’t too bad. We got in pretty quickly. It’s awesome. It’s very patriotic. Everybody’s nice and friendly. It’s a great crowd, great fun. It’s a great time.
Trying to [secure] the border, I would say, is one of the most important. I know he’s having a lot of trouble doing that. But we definitely need to crack down on that for voter purposes and illegal immigration fraud. I would also say a lot of his foreign policies. And the economy is a big part of his accomplishments that I’m proud of.
I think he’s doing a good job. I think just getting the truth out there and continuing what he’s doing, mostly.
I was pretty much a Trump supporter from day one. I agree with his policies, agree with his stances, and I don’t like the fake news that’s against him. Seeing all the lies just makes us stronger.
Jeanette Nazario, banquet server, greater Orlando area
What is the single most significant thing Trump has done since taking office?He’s brought a different persona to the office. We needed a change. We needed a president that was up-to-date on the times and he communicates with us directly—I love it. We might not always like the way or the format he communicates [in], but you know what, at least we know what’s on his mind, what’s going on in his head, what he has to say to the American people, versus having someone make it up for him. We know exactly what’s on his mind and in his heart.
Just keep doing what he’s doing. The swing voters are going to see the other side, and you are going to have to end up choosing—there is really no grey zone. It’s either you’re on this side or that side. And it looks like the division in the country is just so significant right now. It’s just a sign of the times.
Since he ran. I helped out in his campaign, I volunteered. And so it was important for me, because I saw the direction he was going and I really liked his style. He’s like your everyday person that we deal with. He’s not somebody that’s fake, and you don’t know where they’re coming from. You know exactly where he’s coming from because he tells you. And I rather have it that way than have someone fake and lie to me in my face.
