Trump’s rhetoric may intimidate voters and depress turnout on Nov. 8

Editor:

In at least two speeches last summer, Donald Trump advised supporters to be “vigilant” this November, and there is certainly nothing wrong with vigilance.

In Altoona, Pa., Aug. 12, and again in Akron, Ohio on Aug. 22, the Republican nominee told large crowds of adoring followers, “You know what I am talking about. You need to go out and watch. We need the cops, off-duty law enforcement, the sheriffs, to go out and watch. You need to vote on the eighth, but then you need to go and watch and make sure people aren’t bussed in and vote five times. Because I know what is going on here, and we cannot lose unless they steal it from us.”

By himself he may not be able to bully those who support Clinton and/or disapprove of his candidacy into staying home on Nov. 8.

With the help of scowling supporters – some of whom have been seriously agitated by his angry rhetoric – hanging around polling places after voting, he may be able to depress turnout by intimidating would-be voters.

As he has said, “Hey, why don’t we just cancel the election and give it to Trump, right?”

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion