Trump Is Loved Like No President Before Him [OPINION]

While some were digging in for an evening of football, I opted instead to watch President Donald Trump's campaign rally in Freeland, Michigan. There was probably more enthusiasm at the rally than exists within the ranks of the NFL fan base, but I'll save that for another time.

Trump rallies are fun to watch. It is obvious that Trump is having fun, and it is infectious. Trump is at his best when he is with his supporters. In a world that went from Trump adoration to Trump Derangement Syndrome seemingly overnight, the president absorbs the energy from the crowds that turn out to see him. It's electrifying to see that connection.

In my many years on this planet observing events, I have never seen this level of enthusiasm and dedication to an American president. Trump's fan base adores him. There is no middle ground with Trump. Folks either love him or they hate him. His supporters love him.

Yesterday, I heard that supporters chanted, "We love you," as Trump addressed a crowd somewhere, perhaps North Carolina on Wednesday. Not knowing the circumstances surrounding it all, I didn't think much about it. But it happened again last night in Freeland and left Trump fighting back tears.

“Don’t say that,” Trump said. “I will start to cry. That wouldn’t be good for my image. You don’t want to see me cry. I will start to cry.”

I don't really care if you like Trump or not. This type of connection between a president and his supporters is rare. Can you imagine crowds chanting "We love you" to Jimmy Carter? Or how about Richard Nixon? Even Ronald Reagan, who served two terms and was greatly admired by his supporters, was never the recipient of that sort of adoration.

This is the kind of thing that historians will write about long after we are gone and the mainstream media has signed off. A more objective view of this space in time will offer some incredible insight.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.