Many were surprised on October 25 when the Trump campaign announced a visit to the Roanoke Valley scheduled for November 2 – the last Saturday before the election. Many interpreted it to mean Virginia and our 13 Electoral Votes are in play for Trump to possibly flip.
As seeming confirmation, this final poll dated November 2 shows statistical ties for the two top races in Virginia: Trump vs. Harris and retired special forces and Navy captain Hung Cao verses long time career politician Sen. Tim Kaine.
Moreover, many saw the venue being the Salem Civic Center as strategic. For one, it’s close to the Roanoke airport, because Trump had to fly in from a morning event in Charlotte and then fly out for an evening gig in Greensboro. (His “double dose” of events in North Carolina on the same day shows the crucial importance of the Tar-heel State.)
The Salem location also highlighted the crucial role Southwest Virginia may have in this election. The Youngkin/Sears/Miyares team made no secret of their desire to drive-up huge margins in the western side of the state, to help compensate for Democrat votes in Northern Virginia and parts of Tidewater. Their victories in 2021 proved the wisdom of that strategy, and the Trump team may be seeking to replay that method now.
Some rally attendees camped out near the Salem Civic Center Friday night in order to be near the start of the line for Saturday, with others streaming in around 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. The Civic Center holds some 6,800 people and it was a maximum crowd. Moreover, a group conservatively estimated at 20,000 or more was outside, watching the event on a giant screen because they arrived too late. For context, the City of Salem has a population around 25,000, so Salem more than doubled in size on that day.
Isabella Minter of Vinton and her mother Jessica attended. Even though Isabella is not yet old enough to vote, she has followed the campaign closely and even attended some events to offer help. Her mother explained their reasons for attending on Saturday.
“Isabella really wanted to go to the rally for the opportunity to see a former and hopefully future president in person and I went honestly because I didn’t want her to go alone and wanted to support her enthusiasm.”
Roanoke resident Harmony Chandler told The Roanoke Star: “The main reason I went was to support Trump and I’ve always dreamed about going to one of Trump’s rallies. It was a fun experience and was well organized.”
Chandler and her aunt Diane Ribble, a retired educator in Salem, were seated in the VIP section directly behind President Trump, which gave them clear views of all speakers, like Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Youngkin urged all supporters who did not vote early, to vote on Nov. 5, and contact ten friends or family and make sure they vote too. Moreover, he urged everyone to put a Trump sign in their yard, volunteer to give out GOP sample ballots on Election Day, and “once you’ve done everything you can do, pray.”
Ribble gave this account of the experience. “I was committed to attending the rally to support Trump and his team. My niece and I arrived before 7 am and met people at the front of the line who had gotten in at midnight; others had camped out.
Salem resident Faye Curren has attended six Trump rallies previously, so the Salem event was #7 for her. An ardent fan, she also attended the J.D. Vance event in Radford last July.
Doors opened at noon and the crowds streamed in and took their seats as lively music boomed. Activities began around 2:00 with a series of speeches and videos. President Trump was to speak at 4:00, but he took the podium a bit after 5:30. He wrapped up his speech shortly after 7:00, and the crowds peacefully made their way out.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.
Update Nov. 18: After Pres. Trump’s landslide reelection, he explained he would not longer host his legendary rallies, because they had served their purpose, which was to help him win reelection. Therefore, attendees at the Salem rally truly witnessed a historic phenomenon that will not be repeated, because the Salem rally was the ninth-to-last. After Salem, Trump flew to Greensboro, NC for a night rally. On Sunday, Nov. 3, he hosted rallies at Lititz, PA; Kinston, NC; and Macon, GA. On Monday, Nov. 4, he spoke at Raleigh, NC; Reading and Pittsburgh, PA; and ended his campaign at Grand Rapids, MI. (source)
–Scott Dreyer
Updated and corrected Nov. 3 and 4. The original story claimed Election Day is Nov. 2, but it is Nov. 5. Also, the crowd outside unable to get in has been conservatively estimated around 25,000. The Roanoke Star regrets the error.