Roughly two hours after Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton addressed an early voting event in Greenville, Republican nominee Donald Trump led a rally in Selma on property that had been slated to become a state-subsidized rail shipping hub for CSX. (After significant local opposition, the transit hub will be located near Rocky Mount.)

Before thousands of well-wishers at The Farm special event venue, Trump highlighted national security concerns and Clinton’s tangled ethics issues. On stage with Trump were a group of retired generals, admirals, and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who had endorsed the New York businessman.

Donald Trump pays tribute to several Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who joined him on stage Thursday night in Selma.
Donald Trump pays tribute to several Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who joined him on stage Thursday night in Selma.

Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell estimated the crowd at 17,500.

Justin and Theresa Pope (CJ photos by Don Carrington)
Justin and Theresa Pope (CJ photos by Don Carrington)

Justin and Theresa Pope of Clayton, shown here several hours before the rally began, said this was the first event they had attended for any political candidate “I am supporting Trump because he is no nonsense, he makes great decisions and he has zero tolerance for BS,” Justin told Carolina Journal. Theresa added, “I agree with his ideas and policies.”

From left, Donna, Payton, Marlee, and Garry Eatmon
Donna and Gary Eatmon with their granddaughters Payton, left, and Marlee

Donna and Garry Eatmon brought their granddaughters Payton, left, and Marlee, right, to the event. Garry told CJ they arrived at 2:30, more than four hours before the scheduled 7 p.m. start. Garry said he did not support Trump during the GOP primary but is behind him now. “I think he is the best thing in there right now. We need a lot of changes. We have had a lot of destruction over the last eight years. Obamacare is killing us and me personally,” he said.

Sam and Sherry Gregory
Sam and Sherry Gregory

Sam and Sherry Gregory traveled from nearby Dunn. Sherry told CJ she supported Trump for a host of reasons. “Everything you can think of — our rights, our freedom and our safety,” she said.

“I am an anti-establishment person,” Sam said. “I think there is far too much corruption in Washington. I think the country is on the wrong track. We need to be a country of laws,” he said.

 

Trump has scheduled at least two more appearances in North Carolina before election day: Saturday at 1 p.m. at Wilmington International Airport and Monday at 3 p.m. at Dorton Arena on the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Clinton has no more scheduled appearances in North Carolina, but President Barack Obama has slated visits on her behalf today at 2 p.m. at Fayetteville State University and 6 p.m. in Charlotte.