RALLY/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “President Donald Trump declared himself a ‘nationalist’ during his rally here on Monday [10-22-18] night, officially tagging himself with the label that has long defined his populist rhetoric and protectionist policies…The comment marked the first time Trump has directly associated himself with the political ideology, which has long defined his outlook and the protectionist trade policies he has implemented in an effort to boost domestic manufacturing. The remark came during a nearly hour-and-a-half-long rally in the arena that is home to the Houston Rockets, where the President rallied his base in this deeply red state 15 days before the midterms, stoking fears about illegal immigration, painting Democrats as criminal accomplices and basking in the glory of his accomplishments. With his visit ostensibly aimed at boosting Sen. Ted Cruz’s re-election bid, the President took the stage after an introduction from his former political nemesis by addressing the elephant in the room.”
–Jeremy Diamond, “Trump embraces ‘nationalist’ title at Texas rally,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, October 22, 2018 7:48 pm