Donald Trump ready for prime time – Boston Herald

President Trump will be well-prepared for whatever Democratic lawmakers throw at him during his first address to Congress Tuesday, Republicans say as the political world gears up for a prime-time speech the White House is promising will be focused on the renewal of the American spirit.

If there were to be a big Joe Wilson moment from the Democrats, Id expect Donald Trump to be ready, hes certainly shown a proclivity to break from the Teleprompter, Trumps campaign co-chairman in Massachusetts, state Rep. Geoff Diehl, told the Herald, referencing the infamous moment Wilson, a longtime South Carolina congressman, shouted, You lie! at President Obama as he addressed Congress about his health care plan in 2009.

Thats a real possibility, but Id hope decorum rules the day, Diehl said. I think were at a point where civility has been at a minimum ... I would think that at such a critical juncture, where health care (and) the economy are at the upmost importance that the presidents speech will be listened to attentively and responded to accordingly.

The White House, which has said Trumps address will be a forward-looking one about the renewal of the American spirit, is preparing for a tough crowd that Democrats are stocking with immigrants and foreigners as part of an effort to put a face on those they say will be hurt by his hard-line stance on immigration.

Among the attendees invited by Democratic lawmakers will be an Iraqi-American doctor who discovered elevated levels of lead in the blood of many children living in Flint, Mich., a Pakistani-born doctor from Rhode Island and an American-born daughter of Palestinian refugees.

I want Trump to see the face of a woman, the face of a Muslim and the face of someone whose family has enriched and contributed to this country despite starting out as refugees, said U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), whose guest Tuesday will be Fidaa Rashid, a Chicago immigration attorney.

And though inviting immigrants and foreigners may send a clear message to their constituents, Diehl said any outbursts or interruptions would only damage the Democrats political brand.

It will be at the Democrats peril to try to turn against what is an important address, not only to Congress, but to the American people, he said.

New Hampshire state Rep. Al Baldasaro, a co-chairman on Trumps campaign, agreed, and said he expects the president will be ready for whatever the Democrats have planned.

Im sure if theyre booing him or not clapping for him, hell just carry on as usual without losing a beat, Baldasaro said. He has been calling them out ever since he started his campaign and if they do anything at the address, I expect he will call them out right then and there.

But Democratic strategist Scott Ferson said he doesnt expect representatives of his party to use the high-profile moment to vocally chide the new commander in chief.

I dont think this is the time to do that, Ferson said. Here we are saying hes not living up to the dignity of the office. I think it would be odd for Democrats not to stand up, on the floor of Congress, to the dignity of the joint session. That would be very disappointing.

Despite their political differences, Diehl, Baldasaro and Ferson all said they hope Trump hits a more optimistic tone than he did in his inauguration speech.

Herald wire services contributed to this report.

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Donald Trump ready for prime time - Boston Herald

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