Trump Kansas Rally: ‘Burn Like France’ Warning for Marshall
The Trump Kansas rally in Park City took a dark turn on Monday night, as President Donald Trump warned a crowd of supporters that the United States would “burn” like France if Democrats prevail in the midterm elections, while stumping for Republican Sen. Roger Marshall in a race polls show as a toss-up.
Speaking in the Wichita suburb on Monday, Trump framed his pitch for Marshall around the violent unrest gripping France. Reuters reports it was a new addition to his stump speech, one he offered without presenting evidence.
“That Is What the Radical Dumocrats Want”
“I love you Kansas, but I’m here for a guy named Roger Marshall,” Trump told the crowd, according to Reuters.
He then pointed to the widespread French protests as a scenario that could erupt on American streets unless Republicans win. “We’re not going to let that happen to this country,” Trump said. “When you see burning steeples and raging fires in France, just remember that is what the radical Dumocrats want to do to America.” The word is his mocking term for Democrats.
France has seen some of its worst unrest in years in recent days, as huge demonstrations over the cost of living and underfunded public services descended into rioting and looting. Reuters notes Trump himself has struggled to make goods and services more affordable in the United States.
In his remarks, Trump leaned on the anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric he used across his three presidential campaigns. “Look at what’s happening in France, a once great nation, that is being conquered, looted and burned to the ground by migrants, jihadists and communists who hate Christianity and hate, frankly, the western civilization itself,” he said, per the Daily Mail. “They’re destroying that country and we’re not gonna let that happen to this country!”
Rights advocates have long criticized that style of rhetoric, and civil rights groups say it normalizes discriminatory attitudes toward immigrants and ethnic minority groups.
Stumping for Marshall in a Tight Race
The rally was Trump’s latest foray into conservative states where Republican candidates are on defense, with voters frustrated by the Iran war and rising prices. The Kansas Senate seat has long been held by Republicans, but Marshall faces a serious challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton, a mega-church pastor. Polls put the race within the margin of error.
The Wichita Eagle described an overflow crowd greeting the president as he urged Kansans to reelect Marshall.
Protesters Disrupt the Early Minutes
The speech did not go uninterrupted. Protesters disrupted the early minutes of Trump’s remarks, with at least one heckler removed from the venue as the crowd jeered.
The Kansas stop continues Trump’s packed pre-midterm schedule, with the Nov. 3 elections now two weeks away.
Source: Reuters