Trump Praises Rallygoer Who Punched Protester at Clemson, South Carolina Rally for Sen. Graham
Photo: The New York TimesPresident Donald Trump rallied in Clemson, South Carolina, on Wednesday, October 21, for Republican Sen. Darline Graham, and praised a rallygoer who punched a protester as the protester was being removed. Several demonstrators were taken out of the T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena at Clemson University. The White House press pool counted nine disruptions in the first twenty minutes, six in the first eight or so. Trump called the protesters paid and said they get $250. Graham leads Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews by 2.7 points in the RealClearPolling average. Trump is touring conservative areas this week to support Republicans in unexpectedly competitive races.
Right-leaning outlets led with Trump's unfazed response, using press-pool counts and his remarks, and with GOP strategists on Graham's narrow lead; Breitbart said a rallygoer appeared to throw a punch. Left-leaning outlets stressed the clashes: the Guardian reported supporters allegedly attacked demonstrators in at least two instances, and the Times placed the rally within Trump's wider tour. Alternative outlets Al Jazeera and Newsweek led with Trump's praise of the puncher.
How the sides differ Right sources stress Trump's composure toward protesters and Graham's race; left sources stress the clashes and attacks; alternative sources focus on Trump praising the man who punched.
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The New York Times places the rally within Trump's tour for Republicans in tight races, while the Guardian highlights removals, alleged attacks by supporters and Trump's 'paid protesters' claim.
Al Jazeera and Newsweek lead with Trump praising a man who punched a protester at the Clemson midterm rally, giving brief, event-focused accounts.
- The Daily SignalWhy Trump Went to South Carolina
Breitbart emphasizes Trump's unfazed reaction, with press-pool counts and his quotes about paid protesters; the Daily Signal cites GOP strategists on Graham's narrow polling lead and base disappointment.