WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP -- Fresh off the debate and the latest controversy, Donald Trump is coming to our area Monday evening.
So far, there are two public events on the Trump agenda. The first is Monday afternoon just outside of Pittsburgh. The second at the arena in Wilkes-Barre Township.
Trump has been in Wilkes-Barre area before. Back in April, the night before the Pennsylvania primary, Trump spoke before a capacity crowd.
Since the latest Trump controversy, Trump is losing support even in his own party.
"I cannot vote for Donald Trump based on what he said in those tapes and the actions he talks about in those tapes and talked about assault against women,” said Republican New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte.
The sun was barely up with temperatures in the 40s with a chilly wind, and the Trump faithful were already on the sidewalk outside the arena's east gate.
Merrill Mayenschein of Gouldsboro was among the first.
"If you really support something, really are for something, you will do whatever you need to do to support that candidate," Mayenschein said.
And that candidate is Donald Trump. Mayenschein was there for Trump's rally in the spring and said he had to be here in the fall to see the man he believes will win the White House next month.
They came with food and drinks and they also came with tolerance.
Judy Weeks of Lake Ariel says Trump's controversial, 10-year-old recorded comments on women are not of concern. She calls it a generational thing. Young people can be offended. those older not so much.
"Donald Trump and I are the same age, so do I feel offended? Not really, it was locker room talk."
Levi Felty is attending his third Trump rally, and he's been at one rally for Mike Pence, Trump's choice for vice president. Felty is from the Reading area. He got his spot in line, after sleeping in his SUV. Felty is driven by a mistrust of Democrat Hillary Clinton.
"I do not support anything Hillary Clinton says or does and I really do feel Donald J. Trump will make America great again," Felty said.
The whole world is watching. A television crew from a Swiss network was here, recording what people here in our area think and feel about the candidates on the November ballot.
The doors at the rally open at 4 p.m. on Monday. Trump is scheduled to take to the podium at 7 p.m. Wilkes-Barre Township police warn of traffic issues around the arena, and on Interstate 81 before and after Trump's visit.
Officials warn of tight security. Everyone going inside goes through a metal detector.
There is also a $10 charge to park in the arena lot.
