As the general election nears, the question still remains who will be the democratic nominee against the republican nominee, Donald Trump. As a native Californian, I will be casting my vote on June 7 for the California primary. All the remaining presidential candidates were in Southern California this week holding rallies and events to continue to garner votes for the California primary. I recently registered to vote as a democrat. I had quite the experience last week with attending a Bernie Sanders rally in Irvine and a Trump rally in Anaheim, my hometown, in one week. This is my first time voting in a presidential election, so my excitement and fear is in full overload as the unknown outcome of who will be our next president nears. Though I am a Sanders supporter, I wanted to reflect on both of my experiences at each rally.
Both of the rallies were completely different from each other. At the Sanders rally, Sen. Sanders focused on the issues of free education, a rigged economy, immigration reform in which immigrants can earn a path to citizenship, better healthcare, demilitarization of the police force, better paying wages and so forth. His rally didn’t consist of any protestors and the social atmosphere was very calm and peaceful. Before Sen. Sanders came out on the stage, he was introduced by Cenk Uygur from The Young Turks, which is a web series.
One of my closest friends and I decided to go undercover as Trump supporters at a Trump rally in Anaheim. According to the article, Donald Trump to Hold May 25 Rally in Anaheim, OC’s Most Riot-Happy City, Anaheim has a history of riots and protests. I have lived in Anaheim, which is a predominately Hispanic population, most of my life, so I knew tensions would be high. As we were waiting in line for the rally, Trump supporters asked us why we were at a Trump rally. We lied and said we were there so we could get a better understanding for all of the candidates since we hadn’t decided on who we were voting for. His supporters continuously tried to persuade us to vote for Trump. When we got into the small arena, we were given signs that read “The silent majority stands with Trump” which were later torn and thrown away.
Two men sat next to us during the rally. The guy sitting next to me called me “hottie for Trump” and I wanted to vomit in my mouth. He said he was an “a*****e for Trump” and I couldn’t disagree with him on that one. When Trump came on stage to Jock Jams’, "Are You Ready For This," I thought I was at a NBA basketball game instead of a rally. Three protestors were thrown out. One held up the Mexico flag, while another protestor ripped a “Make America Great Again” sign. Supporters were asked to wave their signs and repeatedly chant “Trump” as protestors were escorted out by officers. Supporters started the chant “Build that wall” when Trump talked about illegal immigration. Most of the rally, he seemed to focus on talking about himself and his opposing opponents with the nicknames "Crooked Hillary" and "Crazy Bernie." Trump spoke of putting an end to ISIS, creating jobs, manufacturing more items in America instead of overseas and protecting the Second Amendment in regards to the Paris and San Bernardino terrorist attacks.
Outside is where the chaos began when Trump supporters and anti-Trump protestors clashed. Officers from Anaheim and neighboring cities were everywhere. Protests were taking place on multiple streets. Protests were carried out into the streets as roads were blocked off by officers. Some protestors were waving the Mexican flag and covered their faces with masks or bandanas. As my friend interviewed Trump supporters and protestors and I shot footage for our video, tensions began to escalate. The SWAT team in riot gear approached the scene to help disperse the crowd, along on other streets as rocks and various other objects started to be thrown. As the line of officers closed in on the crowd, the entrance to the parking lot where our car was parked was closed off. We proceeded to walk down the street and had to walk around the whole block to find another entrance to the parking lot. Several people were arrested during the protests and the crowds were eventually dispersed.
On that day I experienced a lot a hatred from both protestors and Trump supporters. Though I sided with the protestors, I had empathy for the Trump supporters. I understand why they want to vote for Trump, especially being fueled by fear for the future of this country. I just don’t believe in Trump’s policies or methods for this country’s future. It was the first time I felt like this country is divided between those who stand with Trump and those who dislike him. I respect the political preference of others even if it goes against my own political preference and ideology. It is pivotal for people to go out and vote in this upcoming election, because there are very two different sides that will shape this country in one way or another for better or worse.
Please continue to allow your voice to be heard, because your opinion matters and your vote counts. I encourage more young people my age to get involved with this presidential election and to do research on each candidate to see where their own stances side with. It is crucial that a high voter turnout occurs, because I know who I don’t want in office. So please go out there and stand for what you believe in.
