New Hampshire Democratic voters say let Trump speak, activists say no

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Anti-Trump activists are applying pressure to the arena where the president will speak Thursday, but the city’s Democratic mayor and voters on the street — honoring the Granite State’s tradition of listening to the candidates — say they want to hear him out on issues from guns to immigration.

As many as 11,500 Trump supporters are expected to fill the SNHU Arena for the 7 p.m. rally Thursday, while Democratic protesters plan to show up in force outside with a giant Trump baby balloon. But a social media campaign by progressive activists is urging Trump opponents to flood the arena management with phone calls, as well the arena’s sponsors — Digital Federal Credit Union, Coca Cola, Auto Fair and Southern New Hampshire University.

“We can’t stop him from coming, but we can let the SNHU Arena know that New Hampshire people do not want Trump’s message of racism and violence in our communities,” Maggie Fogarty wrote on Facebook Monday. “Call the SNHU Arena and any of their sponsors.”

“These rallies serve as a breeding ground for racism and bigotry that inspire white nationalist attacks like the one in El Paso,” said Erin Turmelle, Cory Booker’s state director. “They are despicable and have no place in New Hampshire, or anywhere in our country. That’s why Trump must cancel this rally.”

But Manchester Alderman Barbara Shaw, a Democrat, said she sees no reason to cancel the presidential event.

“This country was built on freedom of speech. Nobody should stop it from going on,” Shaw said. Though she added, “Hopefully he’s not extremely negative and stays away from name-calling people. I hope it’s positive messages, so we can say we’re glad he came.”

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