Trump holds farewell-style rallies in South Carolina and North Carolina

President Donald Trump told supporters in South Carolina that they are witnessing the end of an era.

During a rally in the state, the President turned from his usual boasting to a reflective tone. He claimed the current gatherings are the largest in history. He advised the crowd to enjoy the moment because they will never see it again.

These stops are part of a heavy campaign schedule leading up to the November 3 election. Trump held more than 25 rallies in October. Most events took place in red states where Republican candidates face difficult odds. The official goal is to boost two Senate races in the Southeast. He is personally backing Darline Graham in South Carolina and Michael Whatley in North Carolina. Both candidates have struggled to generate excitement among voters.

Trump is not on the ballot this year. However, he asked voters to act as if he is. He told a crowd in Greenville, North Carolina, that Democrats want to undo his policies. He cited tax cuts and border security as key achievements that could be lost.

The President has repeated familiar talking points during these trips. He discussed tariffs in Lubbock, Texas, calling the word his favorite. He also introduced a new joke about Ohio Senator Jon Husted. Trump said he studied the senator's appearance, specifically his backside. He claimed the joke helped Husted gain 12 points in the polls. He told a Texas audience that he considered making a similar comment about Senate candidate Ken Paxton but was unsure if Paxton’s physique qualified.

Trump also discussed a $5,000 dividend for American adults if Republicans win both chambers of Congress. He joked that the money might only buy a hamburger and dessert at his Mar-a-Lago resort. He noted that the Florida location is not ideal for those watching their budgets.

Loyal supporters have made long trips to see the President. Blake Marnell, a fan from San Diego, took October off work to attend multiple rallies. He wears a suit he calls the Brick Suit. Trump has referred to him as Mr. Wall. Marnell said he travels from rally to rally like others take cruises.

Cindy New from Emerald Isle, North Carolina, said she voted for Trump three times but had never seen him live. She attended the Greenville rally hoping for a good show. She described the experience as one and done because she cannot see him run again. Valerie Thivierge in Fort Myers, Florida, closed her Trump-themed store to attend her first rally. She said the events are a major part of her life.

Trump described the process of standing on stage for two hours as exhausting. He said he does it for the love in the rooms. He noted his voice is operating at about 49.2 percent. He recently canceled two weekend rallies in Iowa and Kansas to hold tele-rallies instead. Less than 24 hours later, the in-person events were rescheduled for Sunday. A source familiar with the change said Trump loves his supporters and will hold back-to-back rallies in those states.

The President closed his rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, by asking the crowd to win on November 3. He said they have been doing this together for 11 years. He stated that there has never been anything like it politically. He told the crowd to go out and do what they do best.