These people standing behind Trump at his rallies are they

[saljr1]

paid to be there? Are they that stupid to believe this guy? Do they hate their country? Or are they just ill- informed. Maybe they just think his act is funny but can they really believe this guy really cares about them? Do they care about the rule of law and democracy and be a decent human being? i just don't understand some Americans train of thought.

[Floyd R. Turbo]

1. Likely! Yes! Yes! Yes! Doubtful! No!

[kimbutgar]

2. I think they are groupies who go from rally to rally like grateful deadheads

I’d like to find where they park and their cars and check out the license plates. Or some investigative person ask the people in line where they are from. Or see where the buses are parked that bring them in. Why doesn’t anyone infiltrate and go undercover and pretend to be a mf45 supporter and investigate this?

[brooklynite]

3. The tableau-vivante is usually always audience members of volunteers...

Usually pulled out of the crowd to create the right "look".

[renate]

4. without trying to be rude or snarky--honestly--I think they're just kind of dumb

I'm not referring to Republicans in general; I disagree with a whole lot of the Republican platform, but disagreeing with me doesn't make a person stupid.

But why someone would go and cheer a rambling narcissist who talks at length about himself as if he is the greatest, most fascinating, most intelligent human of all time, despite clearly decompensating, is difficult to understand unless they're just plain credulous.

[Wounded Bear]

5. From clips I saw, it looks like he found a new black friend...

[Vinca]

7. That's what I thought, too. I was looking for the guy who usually fills out the crowd -

the one from the Miami cult - and spotted a couple of new guys. Guess the Miami guy didn't get paid. LOL.

[MineralMan]

6. Not necessarily, and not all of them.

Campaign operatives pick most of them out of the crowd that shows up to attend. A brief interview happens and, if you're enthusiastic enough about Trump, you might just get picked to stand or sit back there. The better your outfit and MAGA paraphernalia, the better your chances. If you don't have a good sign, they'll give you one.

You'll also get instructions about standing and applauding on cue and told to react to Trump's baiting with appropriate facial expressions, etc.

Once in a great while, a poser gets in the group, but it's rare.

[JHB]

11. And sometimes the staff simply messes up.

Not posers, just that they had the right "look" but ere not as "prime MAGA" material as they thought when they put them up there.

Remember "plaid shirt guy"?

[StarryNite]

16. Plaid shirt guy is awesome!

[tblue37]

14. Like plaid shirt guy:

[smirkymonkey]

8. Walmart sales must be dropping off.

Their patrons are too busy following Trump around the country.

[IcyPeas]

9. I don't know, but they are all going to vote for him again.

[StarryNite]

15. You bet they will.

They are his cult followers and will vote for him no matter what he does. It's sickening.

[wasupaloopa]

10. My brother-in-law is a trump fan. He is basically a nice guy. He maybe a tad racist. He hides it

pretty well.

He does not have a high school diploma. He is one of 12 kids and he dropped out of school to go to work to feed the family. As a young man he bounced around Texas doing odd jobs.

He married my wife's sister 20 years ago. We never discussed politics before. He injured his back and is in constant pain. He can't work and is waiting for a disability judgment. He has some electronics implanted the blocks the pain.

Since he doesn't work he stays home and has Fox News on all day. He is brainwashed by Fox. He can repeat the right wing talking points when ever the moods strikes him. He believes what he sees and hears on Fox.

I think the folks behind trump are like my brother-in-law.

[lunatica]

12. They see themselves reflected in him

They are just like him in their ignorance, cavalier pride in that ignorance, hatred for everyone ‘not them’, self centered ‘me firstism’ and ‘whataboutmeism’, racist hatred, self pitying orgasms, and just plain native meanness. They love hurting those they hate.

Trump is exactly what they dream they want to be. He IS them except he’s rich.

Where we see too much hatred and depravity they see not enough. They want more. It feels so good to see people in real pain, as long as it’s everyone else.

[Blue Owl]

13. The Loathkeepers

He completes them...

[Hekate]

17. My SIL, who went to an Ellen show once, is absolutely convinced they are coached...

Based on their behavior, she believes the ones behind him are responding to big cue cards: Stand Up, Cheer, Applaud, Laugh, Boo.

[Peace06]

18. Trumps rally followers

Personally, I think it's about half and half. Half are paid, maybe those that are bussed in and half are dupes who feel "empowered " by the feeling of of being included in politics for the first time in their lives. They have never before had any sway over politics and I don't think they will ever let go of this newfound, imagined inclusion. trump makes them feel that they are important to him. Deluded, but powerful to those who have never had any power. They don't read and get their news only from Fox.