Trump Hosts Huge Rally In Springfield

Will Stevenson -- Illinois Radio Network

Donald Trump talked jobs leaving Illinois and the rest of the country during a rare campaign appearance downstate by a Republican Presidential candidate.

Trump touted the fact that his crowd of 10,200 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield was larger than an Elton John concert that drew 8,700.  But he says that's a small victory compared to the victories China has had at the expense of the U.S.

"What they've done to us is the greatest theft in the history of the world," says Trump.  "They've taken our jobs; they've taken our money; they've taken our base; they've taken our spirit."

Trump also talked about other substantive issues and things he knows he can change if elected.

"I don't believe in Common Core; I want local education," says Trump.  "I believe in the Second Amendment; I want to be able to protect myself.  I want to repeal and replace Obamacare.  I want to have leaders that are unpredictable."

Trump referred to decisions President Obama has made about sending troops, most recently, to Syria.  He says he wants to build a strong military so that no other country will want to "mess with us."

Trump says Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders won't defeat ISIS, Clinton has a burst of energy that won't last, and that maybe Starbucks should be boycotted since they've taken Christmas references off their holiday drink cups.