Trump dominates Rock Hill rally as Graham's presence fades

Dozens of people stood in line before dawn on Thursday outside the Rock Hill Sports & Events Center. The early arrival was unusual for the complex, but expected for a visit by President Donald Trump. He came to support Darline Graham, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina.

Graham faces a tight race against Democrat Annie Andrews. However, the visual focus of the morning shifted quickly toward the president. Vendors set up shops selling hats, pins, and buttons. One vendor, Robert, sold buttons stamped with the date and the phrase “I was here.” He called them alibi buttons.

Downing Riley, who owns Everbowl, an acai bowl shop in the same complex, opened early to catch the crowd. He usually opens at 9 a.m. but saw the line forming and adjusted his schedule. He noted that customers bought oatmeal and other items before the event began.

The atmosphere inside the complex was light and celebratory. Attendees wore Trump T-shirts, sweaters, and headwear. Merchandise supporting Graham was scarce. Many supporters told reporters they were there primarily for the president. Few identified Graham as their specific reason for attending.

Terry Pennington attended the event dressed as a garbage can. He referenced Hillary Clinton’s 2016 remark calling the GOP base deplorable garbage. Pennington lives in North Carolina and cannot vote in the South Carolina race. He said he does not support every Republican, but he rejects all Democrats. He excused his language.

Michael Curcio drove from Florence to arrive at 3 a.m. He knows Graham as the sister of former Senator Lindsey Graham. He expected she would follow in her brother’s political footsteps. When asked if he would vote for her, Curcio said he would likely vote straight Republican. He supported the candidates chosen by Trump.

Graham attended the rally, but U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman was absent. Norman, a Republican from the fifth district, lost to Graham in the August primary. Rock Hill is his hometown. Many voters there supported his previous bids for the Senate and governor. Norman previously stated that while he pledged to back Graham in solidarity, his family would not.

Norman’s son, Warren, endorsed Democrat Annie Andrews. A spokesperson for Norman’s office said the congressman was working in Washington on Thursday morning. The spokesperson added that Norman was not paying close attention to the president’s visit to Rock Hill.