Expectation vs Reality: Trump gets mad as rally attendees are only about 1/3 of expected number [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• President Donald Trump was angered by “underwhelming” supporters present during his campaign rally event at Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday.
• He was fuming at his aides after making it known in public that six members of his advance party have contracted COVID-19 which spoiled his “mega rally.”
• Trump’s reelection bid is believed to be lacking of solid message to strike his presidential rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.

President Donald Trump was angered over the underwhelming crowd at his Tulsa, Oklahoma rally on Saturday evening. According to multiple sources close to the White House, it was a huge setback for the campaign team as they pegged a strong return after a long three-month break from the virus pandemic.

Even before his rally began, Trump was already mad at his political aides as to why the incident, wherein six members of his advance party contracted COVID-19, was publicized. He expressed disappointment that the news spoiled his supposed to be “mega-rally.”

The campaign was bragging that it would fill the 19,000-seating-capacity BOK Center. However, the Tulsa fire marshal told NBC News that only 6,200 filled the general admission sections of the arena.

Anticipating a massive attendance, the campaign had even set up an additional area that was expected to drag thousands. However, it was ditched in the nick of time when only dozens flocked, just right before Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were about to address the crowd before their official rally inside.

A presidential ally said, “It’s politics 101, you under-promise and over deliver,” admitting the flaws of the campaign team.

Bulk of criticisms went to Brad Parscale, Trump’s campaign manager, who aggressively touted the registration figures ahead of the rally event. Sources close to Parscale said that he’s still employed, though.

Last month, Parscale was reprimanded and got an aid from a deputy to still manage the campaign after polls showed that presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden led past Trump in key battleground states that the president conquered in 2016.

With the November election’s fast approaching, there are escalating worries that neither Trump nor his campaign team has a solid message for his reelection bid — which became evident during Saturday’s almost two-hour address.

There were several factors that could have attributed to the underwhelming attendance in Tulsa: a fear of contracting the virus, potential protests and torrential thunderstorm concerns. 

Outside aides see the results of empty seats as an apparent misfortune for both the Trump and his campaign team.

“This was a major failure,” an external adviser said.

Source: AOL.com