The president urged credit for an attendee’s apparent strike
At a Wednesday campaign rally at Clemson University in South Carolina, security guards removed multiple protesters as President Donald Trump supported Darline Graham’s full-term Senate campaign. The event occurred during the final weeks before the November 3 midterm elections.
A pool report cited by The Guardian said Trump was heckled at least nine times. The crowd chanted “USA” as guards escorted protesters out of the arena.
One protester was followed by a rally attendee after security removed the demonstrator. The attendee appeared to strike the protester on the head.
“That was great, man. Wow. Man, I loved that. I watched that,” Trump said. “That was incredible. Wow. That was unbelievable. Is everybody OK?” He then asked, “Who’s the guy that threw that punch?” and said, “You gotta give them credit. It takes courage to do that at a Trump rally.” He added, “He got whacked.”
Trump compared the attendee with former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, who was also in attendance. Darline Graham is the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly in July from a heart condition. Darline Graham was elected to her brother’s seat in a special election and is facing Democrat Annie Andrews in her bid for a full six-year term.
Protests have frequently erupted at Trump rallies in recent weeks as he has increased his campaign stops. Trump often brushed off demonstrations as “paid protesters.”
Trump’s 32-day campaign blitz has largely taken him to Republican-leaning areas he won comfortably in previous elections. Republicans are trying to retain control of the U.S. Senate and House.
The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, published Monday, found that 31% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance in office, a record low for the president.
Trump’s Clemson appearance came after he was scheduled to campaign for Graham before the Republican runoff. Graham has since been elected to the seat and is seeking a full six-year term against Andrews.