COACHELLA, California – When Donald Trump took the stage at a rally in the desert city of Coachella on Oct 12 to stirring patriotic music, the crowd leapt to its feet.
Many were screaming "U-S-A, U-S-A" and "fight, fight, fight", which they continued to do throughout Trump's rambling hour-long speech, the latter refrain having become the Republican presidential nominee's de facto battle cry after his ear was grazed by a bullet at a rally in Pennsylvania in July.
Thousands had gathered for this Trump rally in the unlikeliest of locations – Democrat-leaning California, a state he has little chance of winning – just 3½ weeks before the presidential elections.
But as though challenging the stereotype of Trump's base being white, non-college educated and male, they were a diverse lot: professionals, business owners, families with young children, along with blacks, Asians and Latinos.
"They think we're a bunch of racists or white supremacists, but look around – you see all sorts of people here," said Mr John Backen, the 54-year-old owner of a construction business.
The key issues for Trump's supporters this election are increases in the cost of living, illegal immigration and crime, followed by concerns about censorship and some of the "woke" social policies promoted by Democrats.
Polls are showing a tight race between Trump and the Democratic candidate, Vice-President Kamala Harris, in battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan and Georgia.
This story is from the October 15, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 15, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Team Singapore athletes at Paris Games honoured in Parliament
Olympians and Paralympians 'fought hard in the toughest of arenas', says minister
NTUC central committee unaware of capital reduction plan: Desmond Tan
The labour movement's central committee did not know of the plan to return $1.85 billion to shareholders under the Allianz-Income deal before it was mentioned in Parliament on Oct 14, said NTUC deputy secretary-general Desmond Tan.
MPs raise concerns over info sharing, investor confidence
16 MPs speak for four hours on Bill to halt Allianz's planned offer for Income Insurance
New in Oct BTO launch: 'White flats', additional subsidies
The Oct 16 Build-To-Order (BTO) launch will feature several changes that will affect home buyers, including a new way of classifying flats, more options for singles and new open-concept \"white flats\".
Talent, tourists, new hubs: John Lee lays out ambitious HK revival plan
Given the myriad priority areas, analysts wonder if his economic measures lack focus
Prime, Plus flats launched with 6% to 9% subsidy clawback clause
They are among 8,573 homes offered for sale under new flat classification system
Parliament passes Bill enabling Govt to block Allianz-Income deal
The minister in charge of Singapore's financial regulator will have powers to block deals involving insurers that are run or substantially owned by cooperatives after Parliament passed new laws on Oct 16.
K-pop boy band Riize's Seunghan leaves two days after return
SEOUL - Just two days after announcing that he was rejoining K-pop boy band Riize, South Korean singer Seunghan (right) said on Oct 14 that he is leaving the group.
Stefanie Sun's concert tour kicks off in 2025
The decade-long wait for fans of Stefanie Sun will be over soon.
Theatre actor Shahid Nasheer hailed as bright talent of his generation
Theatre actor Shahid Nasheer died on the evening of Oct 14 at Gleneagles Hospital, following complications while being treated for leukaemia. He was 28.