The Trump experience

Donald Trump thanks a crowd of nearly 5,000 at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester the night before the primary. Photo by Kyle VonEnde

My View

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Donald J. Trump left the Best Western Plus at 10 a.m. on Monday for a final day of events before New Hampshire voters took to the polls. When asked about his rally scheduled for later that evening, Mr. Trump said, “I think it’s going to go great. We’re going to have probably 5,000 people.” He was right.

The Verizon Wireless Arena, the venue for Trump’s rally, has a capacity of approximately 11,000 people. The stage, set up in the middle of the arena, separated the venue in half — as well as the capacity. With almost every seat filled, it is safe to say that the crowd was close his estimate despite heavy snowfall that delayed his arrival to the event.

It’s hard to say if Trump’s rally translated into votes in Tuesday’s primary, but the turnout was largely in his favor as he took 35 percent of the vote in a still-large Republican field, which proved to be more than enough to take the networks to declare him the winner, based on early returns and the exit polls, when the polls closed at 8 p.m.

If nothing else, Donald Trump’s rally and huge victory in New Hampshire yielded perspective on where the race for 2016 stands and may tell us where it’s going.

Here are eight things to take away from the event and his performance:

“Make America Great Again”

Donald Trump has been using this slogan repeatedly throughout his campaign and it’s working. Trump has never served in the military, but veterans still make their support for him known. The Republican frontrunner demonstrates his belief in American exceptionalism through his decorated introductory speakers. His event kicked off with a retired Marine leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a performance of the National Anthem by an all-women quartet.

Mobilization

Trump is often criticized for having a weak ground game. What people don’t recognize is that he is aware. Trump emphasized the importance of New Hampshire residents turning out to vote. He understands that polls can be misleading, which may explain why he had his daughter, Ivanka, speak to the audience and encourage their participation. Paula Johnson, Republican co-chair on the coalition for women in New Hampshire, also spoke to the importance of mobilizing women prior to the Trump family taking center stage.

Entertainment value (if we didn’t already know)

Being a product of the entertainment industry has undoubtedly become a defining aspect of the Donald Trump bid for the White House. Trump is a unique candidate in many ways, and his rallies arguably reflect that. While many candidates play music that aims to excite and energize the crowd, Trump played hits from artists such as Elton John, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones; he even went so far as to mix in some opera. The host for the event added to the spectacle by saying, “Please do not touch or harm [any] protester” because “this is a peaceful rally.” The crowd loved it.

Loyalty

Several inches of snow fell in Manchester Monday night, but that did not stop thousands from filing into a jam-packed Verizon Wireless Arena. With poor visibility and road conditions, the turnout at the rally was given substantial validity. The loyalty of the voters also shined at polling places throughout the state, propelling Trump to an easy win in the first-in-the-nation primary.

International attention

There is no question that the mainstream media in the United States has placed a tremendous focus on Donald Trump’s efforts to earn the Republican nomination. However, American journalists are not the only ones interested in The Donald’s presidential push. Among the media on the floor of the rally were reporters from numerous countries, including France and Germany. Vladimir Putin has already said he considered Trump “a good friend” and British Parliament has considered banning him from the country. There is international interest in the real-estate-mogul-turned-politician and it is rising with each passing day.

Man on a mission

Donald Trump is often referred to as a man who will not take “no” for an answer. This can be said about his desire to plant his roots in the District of Columbia. During his rally, Trump made a point of reminding the audience that his Trump Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue is currently two years ahead of its construction schedule. His determination was exemplified when he said, “I’m going to be on Pennsylvania Avenue one way or another.”

More than a sound byte

What most of America doesn’t see is the part of Trump that engages with the crowd, makes jokes that are actually politically appropriate, and talks to the people who came to support him. Donald Trump preaches confidence that frequently, and often rightfully, comes off as arrogance, but the message still resonates with the people who support him.

General-election candidate

Many in the media have written Donald Trump off because he is not viewed as a general-election candidate. However, in New Hampshire, many candidate rallies were comprised of largely white crowds, many older. Trump’s audiences, however, were of varying backgrounds, including African American, Asian, young, old, veterans, families and so many more. Trump also had a number of supporters who dressed like him and gained his attention during his speech. He frequently says, “I will win states that Republicans have not won in years.” The diversity of his crowd makes predictions in a general election difficult, but based on the voter turnout in New Hampshire, Trump can’t be counted out.