Given that Jim Acosta appears to be Trump’s public enemy number 1, it should come as no surprise that putting Acosta in the middle of a Trump rally probably wouldn’t result in an exchange of hugs and kisses.
Last night in Tampa, Florida where Trump was holding yet another rally, CNN’s Jim Acosta was in attendance, covering the event. Acosta who has become Trump’s punching bag as of late, when it comes his consistent and relentless attacks of America’s media, showed no lack of bravery last night.
Acosta posted a video, which he apparently recorded, showing Trump supporters repeatedly harassing him.
Just a sample of the sad scene we faced at the Trump rally in Tampa. I’m very worried that the hostility whipped up by Trump and some in conservative media will result in somebody getting hurt. We should not treat our fellow Americans this way. The press is not the enemy. pic.twitter.com/IhSRw5Ui3R
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 1, 2018
As you can see, multiple individuals flipped Acosta the middle finger, while others simply yelled harassing remarks. One man showed off his T-shirt that read “F–k the Media”, while several others held signs endorsing Nazi-Sympathizing, Trump supporting, conspiracy theorist group, QAnon.
One sign even brought up one of the far right conspiracy theories concerning the murder of Seth Rich. It read “His name was Seth Rich #Qanon”. Another sign read “Buy America, Hire America,” which is a bit ironic given that President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago has been hiring foreign workers themselves, and it’s been alleged that Trump has even been having some of his campaign merchandise manufactured in China.
To Acosta’s credit, however, he spent time speaking with many Trump supporters, answering questions that they may have had.
“It was great chatting with all the Trump supporters in Tampa tonight,” Acosta tweeted. “I took more questions from them than the president has taken from the press lately. One of the surprising things I heard tonight in Tampa is Trump supporters saying I should be on their team. Anybody remember when we were all on the same team? I do.”
After each live shot, @Acosta would walk down and politely talk to the people who just heckled him. He talked to one group for at least 15 minutes. pic.twitter.com/J26nlxfD6k
— Christopher Heath (@CHeathWFTV) August 1, 2018
