Posted on 08/21/2015 7:59:42 PM PDT by markomalley
As thousands of Alabamians packed into a football stadium on the Gulf Coast Friday night for a rally in support of Donald Trump, one of the Senate’s most conservative members put on a white “Make America Great Again” hat and offered support for the candidate’s immigration plan.
The appearance by Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions at the Trump rally was a surprise. While the Republican senator didn’t explicitly endorse Trump’s presidential bid at Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles stadium, his appearance and brief remarks could go a long way with conservatives who care deeply about the issue of illegal immigration.
Near the beginning of the speech, Trump praised Sessions, who advised the New York businessman on his recent proposal to curb illegal immigration, and invited him on stage.
“I will say this,” Trump said, “we have a great politician here. We have a man here who really helped me…because he’s been spot on, he’s so highly respected. Has anybody ever heard of Sen. Jeff Sessions?”
“Jeff, come up,” Trump said as the crowd roared. “Get over here Jeff…unbelievable guy.”
Taking the microphone, Sessions said: “The American people, these people, want somebody in the presidency who stands up for them, defends their interests and the laws and traditions of this country.”
“We welcome you here,” the senator added. “Thank you for the work you’ve put into the immigration issue. I’m really impressed with your plan. And I know it will make a difference, and this crowd shows a lot of people agree with that.”
Last Sunday, Trump’s campaign released his immigration policy, which includes things like building a fence along the border, restricting the admission of new low-earning workers and ending birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants.
In recent days, Trump predicted 30,000 people attend the rally at the stadium where college games like the Senior Bowl and GoDaddy.com Bowl are played every year. But a large number of seats in the 40,000-capacity stadium were visibly empty by the time Trump took the stage.
Still, it was likely the largest campaign rally of any candidate so far this cycle.
Trump’s near hour-long, wide-ranging speech covered everything from why he doesn’t think Jeb Bush should be president to his business ventures and books.
At one point, in a play to the conservative crowd, Trump talked about how his book, “The Art of the Deal,” is his second favorite book — next to the Bible.
He promised to make the country rich, said the media is less popular than Congress, referenced his NBC show “The Apprentice,” described his battles with Univision, made fun of Secretary of State John Kerry for recently breaking his leg on a bike and promised to “fix” women’s health. He also predicted he would be “the greatest jobs president god ever created.”
Speaking without a teleprompter, Trump got boos when he mentioned Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush, who he attacked by name at several points.
“Let’s say Jeb becomes president,” Trump said, “first thing that happens, like I say, your schools go to hell, people flow over the river…”
Trump’s plane did a fly-over of the stadium as he arrived in Mobile. But he wasn’t the only one to take advantage of aerial advertising.
A super PAC supporting Bush’s presidential campaign also buzzed the field. “Trump 4 higher taxes, Jeb 4 prez,” said the banner flying behind the small plane.
Ending his speech, Trump said: “I am going to make this country bigger and stronger and better and you’re going to love it and you’re going to love your president and we’re going to turn this place around and you’re going to be so proud.”
Trump then exited the football field as Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” played.
Would have been packed but for the threatening weather that had been moving about all day.
I saw some empty seats in the upper and outer fringes, but it’s hard to say based on the limited angles shown on TV how many attended.
NBC predictably says the stadium was “about half full” which sounds like full of bull to me.
Sessions looked a bit uncomfortable with the “Make America Great Again” hat on his head and only put it on for a few seconds.
Maybe he’s like me and just doesn’t like wearing hats because they mess up my hair.
Sent. Sessions just won re-election
It was suppose to Rain tonight in Mobile
Sessions, for such a thoughtful and reserved man, rocks.
It is raining right now in Birmingham
He had his plane dip it’s wing to wave to the crowd.
How can anyone compete with him! Have we ever seen anything like this? He involves the audience, he brags, he relates his accomplishments to what the United States needs at the helm, he is proud and wants us to be proud of our country again.
I just don’t know that we’ve seen anything like this before.
Not sure what you mean, but Senator Sessions did just win re-election in 2014. Was unopposed in both the primary and the general election.
Would have been packed but for the threatening weather that had been moving about all day.
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There was something else going on in Alabama that kept a lot of people away. It was the start of the season for HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.
Jeff Sessions is a PROFESSIONAL POLITICIAN and can be bought for a price like all the rest in the Senate...
I’m surprised he is only 68 but looks much older..
There was a time, years ago he impressed me...not so much now..they all get so set into a cycle it is like a ‘special club’ and I am one firm believer in TERM LIMITS. AND VOTER ID...
Sessions is the smartest man in the federal govt. He has been all over Zippy’s amnesty plans for years. I am very glad he’s there and glad he’s getting some of the recognition that he deserves.
Session’s hat was too big. He looked a lot better without it.
State ping list.
Who the Eff are you? You’re spouting utter rubbish.
Let me tell you, Senator Sessions used to be Judge Sessions when the President nominated him to be a federal judge...but the Democratic controlled Senate refused to confirm him.
This enraged Alabama. We then elected him to replace a Democratic Senator, and when he got to DC the GOP put him on the Senate Committee that had just rejected him as a federal judge.
No one is more against the Democrats than Session.
You should be banned for implying anything but respect for him.
Jeff Sessions is the best thing we have in DC. Even Rush said he’s the only one doing anything for the American people.
My respect for Sessions has grown considerably over the years. I wish we had more like him.
I watched the rally, and may have missed the shot, but I only saw him put it on for about a second before removing it. Is that enough for a news story?
Go Trump!!!
AND YOU ARE TELLING THE ‘ADMINISTRATOR’ THAT I SHOULD BE BANNED FOR USING MY RIGHT OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH...
AND IF FREE REPUBLIC WANTS TO BANNED ME FOR THAT..GO RIGHT AHEAD...
BY THE WAY ...JUST WHO THE EFF ARE YOU??
G O D...
maybe I should be banned for not having any respect for Barack Hussein Obama also...
ya think...
Well, if you consider that half the field was full, what does that translate into butts in the stands?
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