Planes, flags and automobiles: Trump supporters turn out for Fighting Oligarchy event with Sanders, AOC

From the sky to the streets around Folsom Lake College, supporters of President Donald Trump turned out Tuesday at the Bernie Sanders appearance for their own demonstration. A small plane circled in the sky above the Folsom Lake College area, dragging a banner that said, "FOLSOM IS TRUMP COUNTRY!" Caravans of cars decked out with Trump flags drove around the neighborhoods, garnering cheers and jeers from onlookers who gathered for the Fighting Oligarchy tour stop with Sen. Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. And on the sidewalks, a spirited group of people held flags, cheered as the caravans drove by and participated in a counter demonstration while thousands of people walked past them on their way to the FLC campus to hear Sanders and AOC speak. For some, like Folsom resident Linda Clark, taking part in the demonstration wasn't just about Sanders but about California's liberal-leaning politics, with which she disagrees. "I can't stand Newsom, I'm tired of the fraud," Clark said of Gov. Gavin Newsom. "I'm tired of paying more taxes in California." Another woman from El Dorado Hills who preferred to remain anonymous said she has always wanted to participate in a pro-Trump event, and this was the perfect opportunity to finally do so. "I definitely support everything Trump stands for, and so that's why I'm out here," said the woman, though the temperatures were surprisingly cold as the day drew to an end, causing her to be unsure how long she would be able to endure it. While there were certainly some verbal exchanges back and forth between Trump demonstrators and people who were walking to and from the event, overall the scene remained peaceful. One man, a Folsom resident who preferred to remain anonymous, said this non-violent expression was the goal. "A peaceful counter protest as opposed to what's going on with the Tesla dealerships and all the hostility and violence from the left, everyone out here is peaceful," said the man. "I'm holding my sign, this is my president. Not looking for trouble. It's totally the opposite of what's going on every Saturday at the Tesla dealership in Rocklin." Another Trump supporter, Mark, came from Auburn to participate in the demonstration, specifically to show distaste for Sanders' message. "Just out here because Bernie and AOC's message is not one for the country and so we're out here supporting Trump," said Mark. "We want him to be able to do the things that he wants to do which are going to be good for the country." Janice Odestig, a retired Sacramento area firefighter and Folsom resident, proudly held a flag that said "Firefighters for Trump." She wanted to come out and celebrate the success of Trump, declaring "the red wave is real." Odestig was happy to see the scene was mainly peaceful, eliciting hope that people with differing views in the country and community could find a less-hostile way to co-exist. "I would say there were a couple of catcalls here and there but all in all, everybody is being pretty respectful, both sides, and that's what it's all about really," said Odestig. "And at some point, hopefully, we can come together as a nation and not be so divided. That would be the best."