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Trump in Des Moines

Clay Masters/IPR
GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Iowa Events Center

GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump along with his running mate Mike Pence attracted an enthusiastic crowd of over 1500  at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Friday.

The crowd cheered wildly as Trump repeated his call for a wall to keep immigrants out of the country, with Mexico covering the cost.      

We're going to win on trade, we're going to win on borders, we're going to win on health care

 And they yelled “lock her up” as Trump mocked Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

“Hillary Clinton lacks the temperament, judgement, and moral character to lead this country,”   Trump said.

Trump called his Democratic opponent “the queen of corruption.”

The crowd applauded when Trump took a crack at what he calls the dishonest media.  

His “Make America Great Again” theme was well-received.

“We’re going to win at every single level, we’re going to win on trade, we’re going to win on our borders, we’re going to win on health care, repeal and replace,” Trump said.

I like Donald Trump because he's not a politician

Most in the crowd said they were seeing Trump for the first time. 

“I like Donald Trump because he's not a politician,” said Dave Myers of Urbandale.

“I'm a registered independent,” Myers said.  “I voted for a Democrat once in my life and that was for jimmy Carter because he wasn't an attorney.”

Some came in part out of curiosity.   Kyle Rohlk of Waukee plans to vote for Trump.

I wanted to see if there was a bunch of crazies out here or not

 “I wanted to show my support for Trump and see what he's about,” said Kyle Rohlk of Waukee.     “I wanted to see if there are a bunch of crazies out here or not.”

Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds warmed up the crowd with pre-rally speeches. 

“Donald Trump will make this country strong again! Donald Trump will make this country safe again!” Branstad shouted. “Donald Trump will make this country great again!”

Reynolds urged the crowd to work hard for the Trump/Pence ticket, without saying Donald Trump’s name.    

Others at the rally do not support Trump.

“I don't believe we should have someone like Trump with his hand on the nukes,” said Rachel Nash of Des Moines.  “I believe he’s a narcissist and a sociopath.”

A small group of immigration activists and other Trump critics protested outside.   

Some held up signs, “Trump: Outsourcer in Chief” and “Donald Trump’s a fraud, he sends our jobs abroad.”