Tens of thousands of ardent President Donald Trump supporters waited for hours on end to see the president speak for the first time in Tennessee, while thousands of protesters stood shoulder to shoulder just feet away.
The country's deep political division was on full display on the streets and sidewalks outside of Municipal Auditorium Wednesday as President Trump arrived in Nashville to rally his base in what staff called a campaign rally.
"I don't know his purpose in coming, and I don't care. It's not about what hes says to me, it's about me being here for him," said Kathy Miles who drove from Columbia to see the president speak.
Miles was one of thousands who stood in lines which seemingly stretched forever. Those hopeful to attend President Trump's rally braved frigid cold temperatures and the possibility that even hours in line wouldn't guarantee them a seat inside.
"It’s good to see him in person and bring my boy to see the President of the United States," said Mark Vaughn who drove from Knoxville to see the President speak.
It's been 126 days since the 2016 election, but on the corners of James Robertson and 4th Avenue, political parties continued to clash Wednesday. Protesters who began the afternoon in separate factions eventually found their way together outside Municipal Auditorium.
"Donald Trump promised in his campaign that no one would lose insurance. He said everybody would have a great plan, and everyone would have insurance. These people are going to be the ones that directly suffer," said Avi Korine who was among the thousands protesting the president.
Metro Police managed to maintain law and order. Raw human emotion was the only thing which ended up filling the streets of downtown Nashville.
