White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro explore the unique atmosphere of a Donald Trump rally, discussing the fervent fandom, diverse attendees, use of national anthems and patriotic symbols, and Trump's rhetoric and influence on the political landscape as the election nears.
Attending Trump rallies offers insights into personal connection and identity politics central to his campaign.
Trump's merchandise reinforces supporter identity and validates personal beliefs amidst a contentious political climate.
Deep dives
Trump Rallies: Understanding Bond with Supporters
Trump rallies provide unique insights into the strong bond between Donald Trump and his supporters. Attending these rallies offers a firsthand experience of the personal connection and identity politics central to Trump's campaign. The rallies showcase how attendees see themselves as part of a distinct group of supporters, emphasizing a sense of belonging and shared identity. Beyond the viral spectacles and media coverage, experiencing a Trump rally highlights the deeper understanding of contemporary American politics.
Trump Fandom and Merchandise: Cult-Like Following
Trump's fandom exhibits characteristics akin to traditional fan followings, with attendees showing intense dedication resembling fandom seen in music and sports. The merchandise sold at Trump rallies plays a crucial role, not only promoting slogans but also reinforcing a sense of identity among supporters. The confrontational nature of some merchandise reflects the contentious political climate, where standing firm in support for Trump is seen as a validation of personal beliefs and values.
Polarizing Rhetoric and Continuity in Trump's Messaging
Trump's rhetoric at rallies continues to amplify divisions and grievances, particularly emphasizing themes of nationalism and us-versus-them narratives. His messaging around immigrants and nationalism resonates strongly with his base, fostering a sense of unity through shared grievances. Despite legal challenges and controversies, Trump's consistent narrative maintains his support base, demonstrating minimal shifts in polling data and indicating a sustained level of supporter loyalty and engagement.
The presidential campaign is heating up, and candidates are hitting the road to convince people to vote for them. Today, we take a look inside a Donald Trump rally — the sights, the sounds & the scenes — and talk about who still is motivated to attend a political event for a candidate who is & remains well known.
This podcast: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro.
This podcast was produced by Jeongyoon Han & Kelli Wessinger, and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.