Subject:* *Travel print pool report #4 - Rally venue & color*
Motorcade arrived at Mid-America Center at 5:54 PM local time.
More onlookers than expected along motorcade route, given the rain and cold.
First, a group of several dozen anti-Trump demonstrators. Signs included:
“Sex offenders can’t liven public housing” with a drawing of the White House at the bottom
“Hate leave our state” over a drawing of Iowa.
Then just down the street, a group of a few dozen Trump supporters, several of whom were wearing MAGA hats.
Pooler picked out one sign that said, “The silent majority stands with Trump.”
Other WH aides making the trip and spotted on board AF1 and outside venue include Dan Scavino, Derek Lyons, and Bill Stepien.
Pool now holding inside the arena, which holds roughly 9,000. Seats mostly full, save for luxury boxes and several with obstructed views. Standing room on the floor just over half full. Will tweet a photo from @Jordanfabian.
“Memory” and “Rockin’ in the Free World” blaring over the loudspeakers ahead of the rally and the crowd has begun The Wave.
Rally is open press but pool will send a handful of highlights.
Subject:* *Travel print pool report #5 - rally begins*
The crowd stood and roared as President Trump took the stage at 6:40 PM local time.
POTUS pointed and waved and at one point cupped his hand over his ear as if to egg on the crowd.
The arena has filled out since the last update, all seats full and floor nearly full. Photo TK at @jordanfabian.
Lee Greenwoods God Bless the USA played over the loudspeakers as Trump took the stage.
This is truly a historic week for America, he said referencing the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to SCOTUS.
Other notes:
Beforehand, your pooler spotted Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) sitting in the seats near the stage.
Local station WOW also had a 5 minute interview with POTUS which will air later tonight.