Presenting a plan

Republican presidential candidate holds Roanoke rally

Donald Trump rallied thousands of supporters in Roanoke for the second time in two months Saturday, Sept. 24, just 44 days before the election.

Trump covered almost every one of his major campaign policies, speaking on everything from economics and healthcare to education and illegal immigration.

Trump began by casting the vision for his campaign, painting himself as someone who will fight the “big donors, big business and big media.”

“We’re going to take on the rigged system that has shipped America’s wealth to other countries, and they keep doing so,” Trump said.

ELECTION — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump spoke to a crowd at the Berglund Center in Roanoke, Virginia Sept. 24. He talked on matters pertaining to immigration, healthcare and the economy. Photo credit: Will Young

ELECTION — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump spoke to a crowd at the Berglund Center in Roanoke, Virginia Sept. 24. He talked on matters pertaining to immigration, healthcare and the economy. Photo credit: Will Young

“We’re going to replace our failed and corrupt establishment with a government that serves you, your family and your country.”

From there, Trump sounded off on the failed healthcare and trade policies of the Obama administration, promising competitive healthcare deals and calling current trade deals “a one-way highway out of this country for our jobs and our money.”

Trump took the opportunity in Roanoke to address his energy policy, specifically how his presidency would impact miners.

Back in March at a CNN town hall, Hillary Clinton said she would put coal miners and coal companies out of business.

She followed her comment by stating that she wanted to move those jobs to other types of energy, but Trump took advantage Saturday of her lack of clarity.

“Here in Virginia, we are going to end the war on American energy and on our miners,” Trump said.

“Hillary Clinton says she wants to put the miners out of work. … The Clinton regulatory agenda will drive up electricity prices for Virginia families … and will cost the U.S. economy over $5 trillion.”

While Trump rarely focused on one subject for more than a few minutes, he did fixate on education and extending school choice to all disadvantaged children in America.

He proposed lowering college tuition costs by working with Congress to ensure special federal benefits are not available to universities unless they reduce tuition and student debt.

He also extended outreach to the African-American community, congratulating them on the opening of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“Many African-Americans are succeeding so greatly in our country, and I will make sure their success is protected and supported,” Trump said “At the same time, too many African-Americans have been left behind and trapped in poverty. I will fight to make sure every African-American child in this country is fully included in the American dream.”

Just as he has done in the past, Trump appealed to black voters by asking them, and also Hispanics, “What do you have to lose?” He said Democrats have produced joblessness, poverty, failing schools and rising crime.

RALLY — Thousands of supporters gathered for Trump’s second appearance in Roanoke.  Photo credit: Will young

RALLY — Thousands of supporters gathered for Trump’s second appearance in Roanoke. Photo credit: Will young

Trump contrasted their failing policies with his ability to see potential in inner cities.

“Fixing things is what I do,” Trump said. “Just look at my projects in New York City, where I turn run-down spaces into new centers of business activity and opportunity. Where others saw only problems, I saw tremendous potential.”

Trump was silent on Sen. Ted Cruz’s recent endorsement, and he indirectly mentioned the controversy surrounding law enforcement and recent protests in Charlotte, North Carolina, only saying, “We are going to support and cherish our police and firefighters.”

He also did not mention the debate against Clinton happening two days after the rally.

Trump, who was introduced by speakers such as Rep. Bob Goodlatte of Virginia’s sixth district and retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, said his supporters must get out and vote and encourage others to do the same.

“The arrogance of Washington, D.C. will soon come face-to-face with the righteous verdict of the American worker and voter,” Trump said.

John Wood, a Liberty University junior who is the second vice chairman of the College Republicans, attended the rally with other members of the club who earned VIP tickets by participating in a door-knocking campaign for Trump.

“(Trump) is going into areas where people have felt forgotten,” Wood said.

“We’ve seen that with the (way he’s gone) into the inner cities … and churches and actually doing what it takes to show people that he actually does care about these communities.”

CLARKE is the managing editor.

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