On October 20, 2024, Real America’s Voice correspondent Ben Bergquam visited Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and engaged with the community in a vibrant display of political support for former President Donald Trump. During his stroll through the city, Bergquam met several groups of Black Trump supporters who showcased their enthusiasm with pro-Trump signs and MAGA hats. This gathering of supporters stood in stark contrast to the minimal opposition presented by only two liberal protestors, highlighting the strong grassroots support for Trump in this area. One supporter energetically criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, proclaiming her utter inadequacy as a leader, further embodying the fervor present among the attendees.
President Trump’s visit to Lancaster coincided with Bergquam’s coverage, as the former President hosted a Town Hall meeting shortly before Bergquam’s interactions. As reported by The Gateway Pundit, Trump took a unique approach to connect with the community, even volunteering at a local McDonald’s where he served customers and operated the french fryer. This hands-on engagement not only showcased Trump’s populist approach but also created a humorous moment as he compared his short stint at the restaurant to Harris’s career, jokingly emphasizing that she could not claim any similar work experience.
As Bergquam continued his walk, he encountered the contrasting viewpoints of the liberal protestors, one of whom made an attempt to engage him with a provocative sign and a reference to the Book of Revelations. Despite their efforts to challenge his perspective, Bergquam remained steadfast in his support for Trump and offered a personal declaration of his faith. His calm refusal to engage in heated debate illustrated the divide between the two camps while maintaining his lighthearted approach, even extending blessings to the protestors, whom he referred to as “lost souls.”
In a subsequent encounter with more Trump supporters, including Black and Dominican individuals, applause broke out as Bergquam expressed his belief that Trump was the right choice for the nation. The sentiments articulated by one young supporter underscored a common narrative in the 2024 election cycle—that Trump’s policies had a direct positive impact on the financial wellbeing of everyday Americans. The enthusiasm surrounding this interaction reflected a broader cultural shift occurring within segments of the Black community, many of whom have aligned with Trump’s economic message.
Bergquam’s remarks on the significance of the pro-Trump energy he encountered reinforced the idea that this movement is forming a counterculture against traditional liberal narratives. By juxtaposing the conversations surrounding the protestors with the messages of hope and support from Trump’s advocates, he painted a picture of a robust political landscape where Trumpism finds fertile ground in unexpected places. This underscored a deeper narrative about the evolving political affiliations within American society as individuals like Bergquam highlight their embrace of a more conservative outlook.
As he concluded his segment from Lancaster, Bergquam embraced the slogan “MAGA is the counterculture!” while encouraging viewers to appreciate the diversity of support for Trump among various demographic groups. His portrayal of the event emphasized that despite the challenges faced by the Trump campaign, momentum was palpable within certain communities, suggesting a shift in political allegiances. His reporting captured the ongoing vibrancy of a political movement that seeks to resonate deeply with its supporters, making clear that the path to the 2024 elections will continue to be filled with passionate expressions of political identity.
