President Donald Trump decided to go ahead with a planned rally in Erie, Pennsylvania on Wednesday night, even as Hurricane Michael was leveling portions of the Southeast. The decision to proceed was made as thousands of supporters were already gathering for the event.

President Trump Speaks On National Security Strategy At The Ronald Reagan Amphitheater
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Trump opened the rally by offering prayers for those in the path of the storm and by detailing plans for the recovery effort, which could take months. Trump announced he would visit impacted areas in the days ahead.

Hurricane Michael Slams Into Florida's Panhandle Region
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Fully mindful of the destruction being wrought by the storm, Trump's stump speech stayed pretty much to script, but the president was considerably more subdued than in more recent fiery speeches like the one delivered in Iowa on Tuesday night.

Hurricane Michael Slams Into Florida's Panhandle Region
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Trump will certainly draw fire from some quarters for going ahead with the rally. But what really would be accomplished by canceling it? As hard as I tried to think of a reason why the rally should have been cancelled, I just couldn't.

Trump was right to move forward with the Pennsylvania rally, and to tamp down the rhetoric just a bit.

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. 

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