An American flag with a peace sign in place of stars waves above the crowd lined down the right side of the I-10 highway. Directly across from this, a group of young men shake a Confederate flag in retort. Presidential candidate Donald Trump held a rally at the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum on Tuesday, Oct. 25. which prompted hundreds of protestors to gather across the street in response.
Many Trump supporters looking forward to the rally were turned away at the door as the museum hit capacity, and some of the disappointed supporters decided to spend the duration of the event combating the picketers with their own counter-protest. Heated arguments arose between the two groups, fingers were being pointed towards both sides for who was at fault for any altercations that night.
John Conner, a Republican student who is currently undecided this election, had issues with Trump protestors in the past.
“I brought up valid points of what he said and how his mindset is that of a businessman,” Conner said. “They just looked at me and started cursing at me and it led to a fistfight because someone was outwitted by someone [else] who believes something different.”
Noah Stapleton, a student who favors Senator Hillary Clinton, said that it was in everyone’s rights to support or protest Donald Trump that night, and that neither group should point fingers at the other.
“It’s a first amendment right that the people have,” Stapleton said. “Protestors and supporters both have a right to coalesce for each of their beliefs.”
Some Tallahassee Community College students believe that arguments between the Trump supporters and Trump protestors could have been avoided entirely while maintaining their right to express their opinions. Stapleton said that both sides are allowed to express themselves through protest but there’s no gain to arguing with the other about flawed candidates.
“People are allowed to express their opinions, whether it is in support or contention of the candidate,” Stapleton said. “Both candidates obviously have faults. Whether you support the candidate or not each candidate already has acclimated a level of doubt.”
Conner said that if faced with someone who is bent on disagreeing with you, it may be best to drop the subject entirely and move on.
“Everyone is so closed minded about what each other says,” Conner said. “Just walk away because no one is going to agree.”
