Subdued Trump tones rhetoric down 'just a little bit' at Illinois rally

By QUINT FORGEY 10/27/2018 09:25 PM EDT

President Donald Trump by his own admission toned down his fiery political rhetoric at a rally in southern Illinois on Saturday evening, following a fatal mass shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh.

The president delivered few of his trademark blistering attacks on his political rivals or adversarial groups during the rally at the 8,000-seat Murphysboro airport hangar to boost statewide political allies ahead of the midterm elections, delivering a largely aspirational address.

Although Trump frequently insults the members of the media on site to cover his remarks, the president resisted criticizing them directly on Saturday — likening the reporters to Hollywood paparazzi instead of enemies of the people.

“Look, this is like the Academy Awards. Look how many cameras they have back there!” Trump said to a tepid response instead of a usual rousing cheer and chant against the assembled media. “It’s the Academy Awards! We are in the Academy Awards!”

After the briefest of mentions of Hillary Clinton, his 2016 presidential opponent, Trump appeared to wave away the crowd's attempt to start a "lock her up" chant.

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https://www.politico.com/story/2018/10/27/trump-illinois-rally-943505