As the Waukesha Trump rally kicked off at the Expo Center in Waukesha Wednesday night, dozens of protesters gathered outside to make their voices heard.
A diverse group of protesters held signs while chanting in unison near the main entrance to the parking lot.
"Even though we’re in Waukesha, which is one of the most Republican places in the country, there’s a lot of people who do not agree with Mr. Donald Trump,” said Bernie Gonzalez.
“On every issue he’s not wanted,” added Deby Albers.
On the inside of the property, Trump supporters had many chants of their own for the presidential candidate they were about to see.
Dealing with protesters is nothing new for the man who was first in line at the rally. Randal Thom has traveled the Midwest, seeing Trump 17 times over the past year.
"The number of protesters has went down a lot especially since the primaries got over,” said Thom.
Thom says he wishes he could invite protesters in to see his viewpoint. Others weren’t so cordial.
"I just feel like they need to back away when we don’t come over to the Clinton territory and do what they do to us,” said Trump supporter Stephanie Hinkle.
It was hard for both sides to cross paths Wednesday evening. The rally was a private event, keeping protesters on the outside. While they couldn’t come close, protesters and Trump supporters have clear messages for each other as election day ticks down to just 40 days.
"Open up your mind, open up your eyes, and look at the hatred that’s inside this man,” said Albers.
"We’re all one country and we’re all voting for one thing which is to be together,” Hinkle countered.
To maintain a civil rally, dozens of law enforcement from police, sheriff’s offices, state patrol and secret service were staffed for the event.
