President Trump spoke at a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire Thursday night. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, N.H. (WBZ NewsRadio) — It was a classic Donald Trump performance at Thursday night's rally at Manchester, New Hampshire's SNHU Arena.
The president blasted his Democratic challengers as socialists and communists; he lampooned the media; he touted the U.S. economy, saying he's turned it around; and he boasted he's made good on the campaign promise that got him elected.
"Three years ago, we campaigned across the country on a pledge to make America great again, and that's exactly what we've done," Trump said. "I think we can honestly say it's the greatest slogan in the history of politics in America."
President Trump faces the prospect of a tough reelection fight in the Granite State—just like in November 2016, when he narrowly lost there to Hillary Clinton. A new University of New Hampshire survey out this week shows New Hampshire voters split over Trump's performance, with 42 percent approving and 55 percent disapproving.
But Thursday night, Trump sounded like a conquering hero.
"America is working again, America is winning again, and America is respected again, respected like never before," Trump said to cheers.
Trump spoke for 90 minutes, calling the rally a "love fest."
Twelve thousand supporters packed the arena. Thousands more were turned away, but told WBZ NewsRadio's Mike Macklin they were happy just to be there.
Protesters were outside, as well as inside the arena. At one point, Trump took a pot-shot at a protester, mocking his weight.
Supporter Donna Goodwin told Macklin she thought Trump made good on his promises, and deserves another four years.
"I think he's great, he's done everything that he promised," she said. "I'm really very happy with him, and I just love him."
And of the Democrats running against him?
"No comment, they can't hold a candle," Goodwin said. "Do we want socialism? No, we don't."
Tia Winkler said she just wishes the president would spend less time on Twitter.
"I like what he's trying to do for the country," she said. "I think he's trying to do what he feels is best for the country, which is good. I think if he'd cool it on the personal tweets a little—I think a lot of women feel that way—I think he'd get a little better acceptance. I think the tweet wars are getting a little old, so I'm hoping that he gets that message and starts focusing again on what made people like him in the first place."
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WBZ NewsRadio's Mike Macklin reports