During a Tennessee rally, Donald Trump makes it clear why he’s still popular: “I could say the stupidest things and you’d clap”
No tough crowd here
Politicians usually expect applause from their supporters. However, President Donald Trump seemed confident he could get it regardless of what he said. He even joked about it during a recent rally.
Trump’s supporters have remained loyal throughout his political career. However, with the November midterm elections approaching, that loyalty faces a new test. His latest remarks showed just how confident he is in their support.
According to HuffPost, Trump made the remark at a rally in Clarksville, Tennessee, on October 10. While campaigning for Republican candidates, he joked about how easily his supporters would applaud him.
He wasn’t finished yet
Trump appeared at F&M Bank Arena to campaign for Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty, who is seeking reelection, and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who is running for governor.
However, the president questioned why he needed to campaign in Tennessee, where Republicans have strong support. “What am I doing in Tennessee?” Trump asked the crowd. “I don’t have to campaign here and I win.”
He pointed to his previous victories in the state before repeating his false claim that he had won three presidential elections. “I got screwed the second time because they cheated. They cheated. We cannot let that happen again,” he declared.
Trump won the presidential elections in 2016 and 2024 but lost to Joe Biden in 2020. His claims that widespread election fraud changed the outcome of the 2020 election have not been substantiated.
Despite questioning the need for his visit, Trump offered an explanation. He wanted to thank Tennessee voters for supporting him.
He then recalled a conversation with a successful friend who reportedly struggles with stage fright. According to Trump, the friend had asked how he manages to speak before thousands of people so frequently. “For me it’s easy because there is such love in these rooms,” Trump recalled telling him.
His supporters responded by chanting his name. Someone in the audience also shouted, “We love you!”
Trump continued praising the affection he receives at his rallies before joking about how easily he could earn applause. “I could say the stupidest things and you’d clap,” he told the crowd.
The audience responded with laughter and applause, seemingly reinforcing the point he had just made. However, Trump quickly clarified that he believed his actual political messages were sensible. “But we don’t say the stupidest things, we say things of common sense,” he added.
He went on to mention border security, lower taxes, and a strong military. Trump considers these policies common sense.
The exchange offered a revealing moment at the campaign event. Trump was encouraging supporters to vote for Republican candidates rather than himself.
Not everyone feels the same
Trump’s remarks came as Republicans prepared for the November 3 midterm elections. The results will determine control of Congress.
The president continues to receive enthusiastic responses from his MAGA base. However, polling suggests Republican voters do not necessarily agree on how closely candidates should align themselves with him.
A recent Politico poll found that 26% of people who voted for Trump in 2024 believe Republican candidates in their districts would have a better chance of winning. They think distancing themselves from the president could improve their chances.
Meanwhile, 62% of MAGA respondents believed Republican candidates would benefit from maintaining close ties with Trump. Trump, however, made clear that he wanted his supporters to treat the upcoming vote as though he were personally running.
Toward the end of his Tennessee speech, the president welcomed Republican candidates onto the stage and encouraged attendees to vote for them. “I’m on the ballot — just pretend I’m on the ballot,” he told the audience.
Although Trump won’t be on the November ballot, he continues to campaign for Republicans. Whether his supporters will show the same enthusiasm for those candidates remains to be seen.
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