Demonstrators express frustrations during President Trump visit

VANDALIA — More than 100 people gathered outside Butler-Vandalia High School to rally against President Donald Trump during his visit.

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The demonstration was part of a greater effort by residents and organizers hoping to make their voices heard prior to the election.

The rally at the high school was one of multiple counter-demonstrations taking place across the area.

Simultaneously, the Ohio Democratic Party organized a separate counter-rally at Seger Park to address voter concerns and political issues facing the district.

Theresa Gasper, a Beavercreek resident who attended the rally at Butler-Vandalia High School, stressed the importance of bringing political counter-perspectives directly to local voters.

“I think it’s also important to go into red areas and let people know that not everybody thinks like they do,” Gasper said. “Hopefully people are driving by and asking some questions of themselves.”

Dianna Pippman also expressed her dissatisfaction while waiting outside the school during the arrival.

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“I want it gone. This is horrible. Yeah, I want a better life,” Dayton said.

At Seger Park, Charmain Edwards spent her morning participating in the Ohio Democratic Party counter-rally.

Edwards cited broad discontent with the country’s current trajectory as her motivation for attending.

Demonstrators gather in Vandalia ahead of President Trump’s visit A counter-rally took place outside of Butler High School in Vandalia as people awaited the arrival of President Donald Trump.

“You can tell these people are starving and looking to make a difference and work for what they need. And that’s why I’m here,” Edwards said. She also highlighted concerns regarding legal and constitutional standards.

“Nobody’s above the law,” Edwards said. “I want people held accountable for things that they do against the Constitution.”

Edwards and other attendees stood behind Kristina Knickerbocker, the Democratic nominee for Congress in Ohio’s 10th Congressional District.

Knickerbocker is running against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Turner.

“As I’m knocking on doors throughout this district, the number one thing I hear is I can’t make ends meet,” Knickerbocker said.

Despite political differences, attendees across both events noted that voters on both sides of the aisle share common economic concerns.

Gasper noted that working conditions and wages remain shared priorities for many residents.

“I know that sounds trite, but there is a lot,” Gasper said. “I mean, people want a living wage, they should only work 40 hours, one job.”

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