The 3,300-person town of Pickens, South Carolina, usually gets to bask in the July heat when it celebrates the Fourth of July.
But on Saturday, an estimated 50,000 people turned the town into the front lines of former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign for the Republican nomination for president, according to Politico.
“It was hardworking patriots like you who built this country, and it is hardworking patriots like you who are going to save our country,” Trump said during the massive rally that took over the town’s main street.
He said, “2024 is our final battle. Under our leadership, the forgotten men and women will be forgotten no longer.”
Trump took shots at President Joe Biden, who he said is “grossly incompetent and can get us into World War 3,” according to The State.
“Joe Biden’s policy is China first. My policy is very simple, America first,” Trump said.
The message was a winner.
“I was open, but my mind is made up now. I feel like he’s the strongest man for the job.” said Pickens native Tena Stark, who now lives in Tennessee.
“I love it,” iron worker Kenny Stoll of Summerville, South Carolina, said, according to the Greenville News. “I don’t think he lies to the people. He’s true to his word, and he don’t back down. He fights for what’s right.”