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I've only been to one political rally in my life - but it wasn't for political reasons. Some guy running for governor of my state had the support of some members of a band I liked, and they came out of retirement and played a free show.

Tonight, I have a chance to attend my 2nd political rally - and if I go, I suppose I am going for the purpose of being entertained again. Only this time, there is no band. Just Donald Trump.

The circus is in town, but for one night only - and I don't mean that as an insult or a compliment, but some sort of combination of the two.

If I go through with it, I could claim it is for research, for all of you - but I have my selfish reasons.

I want to hear what he's going to say next, hear the crazy lines the news shows will obsess over until he one-ups himself. I want to see who comes out - are they passionate supporters, undecided voters, thrill seekers.

Love him or hate him, he's entertaining. He's the monkey at the zoo, throwing his poop at the window. Jeb and Hillary are the iguanas, motionless - all day. You know which ones you'd rather watch, and you also know which ones you will choose for a pet to turn loose in your house, when that time comes.

My fellow Americans - enjoy the next fourteen and a half months. Enjoy the monkey. I am.

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I'll put this here as a comment, instead of making another post - but if someone with the power wants to add it to my post instead behind a cut, feel free to do so!

I don't know if there were as many people there as the news claims, but with the estimated numbers being thrown out before - we decided to take a shuttle in. It was about an hour wait, but other than being hot as usual down here - it wasn't too bad.

I didn't expect that many old people - I didn't know he appealed to them - but he does. There were a few weird looking folks, and a few talking loud enough to let you know they were weird (so you didn't have to make a decision based on looks) - but that isn't a Trump thing, that's a politics thing. People into politics tend to be a little...off. Don't look at me like that, you know it's true.

There was some kind of Immigrant Coalition next to the gate - but I wouldn't say they were protesting. They may have had the intention to protest, but their posters were leaning up against their legs and they were chatting amongst themselves. Other than them, and a few guys being escorted out for reasons I don't know, it seemed to be a mostly pro-Trump or at least Trump-tolerant crowd.

Turns out, you didn't need tickets. Just a nod from some guy with a counter, take a little Auburn/Alabama football schedule from some lady - and you're in.

For the wait, there was a decent playlist. Mostly country songs about America - but in my opinion the least annoying of the ones to choose from. Around 730, they cut one off before it was finished. The crowd goes wild. Then, 'Dream On' starts. About a minute into that, I thought 'odd choice for entrance music - I was certain, but certainly glad to be wrong, that he would choose to come in to...' and before the thought zapped from one side of my brain to the other, the prophecy was fulfilled. I'm not saying my state isn't a sweet home, but to say it is an understatement to say it is overplayed would be an understatement, and that's an understatement. I understand the motive though - if you want votes down here, you probably need to play that song, and claim the Bible is your favorite book. Trump did both, he's becoming a politician whether he likes it or not!

He was introduced by some state politicians I've never heard of, and a Senator - who unless I'm mistaken (which almost happened once) - will never, ever, endorse Trump.

The speech - well, it was mostly what you've been hearing for months. Lots of superlatives - greatest, best, biggest, strongest - not necessarily a bad thing, it just stands out if you listen for a while. He took a few small shots at Hillary, but Jeb seemed to be Target #1 - and that makes sense. Sling mud at whoever is on top, unless you're on top - then sling it at whoever is closest.

I'm guessing he had talking points to go back to, but not a fully prepared speech. I'm also guessing he is his own speech writer, because he talks likes he's talked as long as I've known about him. He comes across as a little arrogant, but I wouldn't say it's enough to count as a flaw. A traditional candidate would need to act more humble to win - but he isn't traditional - maybe he'll be fine staying the way he is. The more you shoot from the hip, the greater the chance you'll eventually shoot yourself in the foot, but that is who he is, that's why he is in the lead, for now.

I don't know who I'll vote for. Trump may not be top of my list, but he's closer to the top than the bottom. I may never get the chance to vote for him, but I'll at least consider it if I get to that point. Some say he is all style and no substance, but even if that's true - it may be enough - because his competition doesn't seem to have either at this point.

You make it sound as if Trump is a viable presidential material.

That sounds shocking and a bit scary to a foreigner. But then again, you've had Bush II, so... I don't know. Perhaps the world could still cope with him somehow.

Why, think of it that way: wouldn't it be great in terms of LOL-material? I think Trump would perfectly fit into America's image in front of the rest of the world. All he needs is an Uncle Sam hat.

Yeah... Still scary.

He's saying all those terrible things but he doesn't really mean it. Or so I'm being told. I'm sure he's just an awesome guy who wants to do The Right Thing(tm)!

Maybe if he could fire all the extremists from the Islamic State, I'd change my mind.

You're fired! And you're fired! Did I say fire?

Viable? I don't know, I guess anyone can be if you lower your expectations.

The thing with Trump is - there really isn't much disagreement over what he is.

But a year from now - if we all pretty much agree that he's kind of a jackass whose only redeeming quality is how he might handle the economy - will we be at a point where that is enough?

I don't know, you're the American here, you know your people better. If it were my people, I would've said I'm prepared to be surprised by even further lows that they could sink to.

This is essentially my take.

I'd much rather see Walker, Fiorina, or Carson as the GOP nominee, but I'd vote for Trump over Hillary or Biden.

Yeah, and that's showing in polling: Trump is leading by a wide margin in Alabama. (http://wkrg.com/2015/08/12/alabama-republicans-favor-trump-by-wide-margin/) It's interesting Trump continues to go after Jeb! at these events, despite Bush's poor polling.

Thank you for the post (and the update too).