Hundreds rally for president
COEUR d’ALENE — Brendon Hill is a supporter of Donald Trump and participated in a rally for the president in downtown Coeur d’Alene Monday.
But it wasn’t all about politics for the Coeur d’Alene man.
Amid the flags waving, horns honking and people cheering, Hill talked football.
“The fun thing for me was, I would say, ‘Roll Tide.’ And they would start laughing,” he said.
Hill, a die-hard University of Alabama fan, asked whoever happened to roll to a stop in front of him at Sherman Avenue and Second Street about their favorite team, rather than who they supported in the presidential race.
“What do we have in common?” Hill said. “We have the things that make America great. Football. College football. The politics will come in November. Until then, let’s play football.”
“Football first, politics second, right?” he added.
Well, at least for a few hours.
About 200 people turned out for the two-hour rally for President Trump after a boat flotilla on Lake Coeur d'Alene was canceled due to high winds.
On a sunny afternoon, they were spirited and enthusiastic as they wore hats, shirts and carried flags that stated their support of their candidate seeking re-election.
Not everyone appreciated their efforts.
While some passing by waved, smiled and offered thumbs up, others offered middle fingers and thumbs down.
There was one heated confrontation on the sidewalk, but everyone walked away before anything happened.
John Lee, holding a Trump sign, said he immigrated to the United States from South Korea 20 years ago.
He said he values the freedom he has today.
“I am very proud to be an American citizen,” he said.
Lee said he did not want to see a Communist-style government in the United States.
“Not in my America I won't allow it,” he said. “We’ve got to do what it takes to defend America.”
Hill said that after the flotilla was canceled, organizers quickly shifted gears and pulled together a crowd in a short time.
He was delighted with the turnout.
“I feel great about Idaho,” he said.
