Trump, Biden Rallies Take Place Side-By-Side In Livingston

LIVINGSTON, NJ — A pair of election rallies, one supporting President Donald Trump and another boosting former Vice President Joe Biden, took place side-by-side in Livingston on Sunday. And as it turns out, it is possible for people to disagree on politics and still respect each other’s rights to free speech.

It could have been an ugly situation at the Livingston Oval, where the Livingston Republicans and the Livingston Democrats each held a rally to support their candidate. But after both sides got together and spoke in good faith, they were able to agree on some ground rules that set a positive example of civility amid an increasingly polarized nation.

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Prior to the rallies, organizers put out a call to attendees, which was shared on the Patch Livingston Neighbor Post section.

Organizers wrote:

“The nation will be choosing its leader in a few days! Excitement and tensions are high across the country. Livingston Republicans have scheduled a rally to support Donald Trump this coming Sunday, November 1. A few days later a Joe Biden event was scheduled at the same time and place. The leadership of both groups met and agreed that every American has the right to exercise their freedom of speech. In the spirit of unity, we urge attendees to enjoy the day and respect each other at all times. Let Livingston set a positive example for the country and demonstrate how a strong community with diverse opinions comes together.”

Both groups agreed on the following guidelines, organizers said:

• Keep all common-areas clean when done
• Wear masks and maintain a healthy environment - Keep Covid-19 precautions
• Communicate with organizers or police in the event of any concerns or issues
• No booing, speech interruptions, or put-downs directed at either side at any time
• Confrontation of any kind will not be tolerated and will be asked to vacate immediately
• Obey law enforcement at all times

Organizers shared a map of the Oval with two sections marked in red and blue – one for Trump supporters and the other for Biden supporters.

“Together, as one community, we can set an example of civility in an ever-polarizing world,” organizers wrote. “Let this day be a constructive day that we can all use as a step forward in improving the country for which we all share the goal of wanting to make it a better place. Enjoy the day and the freedoms our wonderful founding fathers bestowed upon us.”

The message was reiterated in a Patch event post promoting the Biden rally:

“A Trump rally will be taking place at the same time and place as this event. Please keep your distance from them and be sure to not infringe on their right to speak freely just as we are. This event is not created to spark a fight but instead to encourage excitement and productive dialogue leading up to the election. Confrontation of any kind will not be tolerated.”

Video footage of the rally site posted to Twitter showed a passionate-yet-peaceful crowd, with dozens of supporters from each camp enduring a rainy day in the name of democracy.

• See related article: Here’s What Happens When New Jersey Dems, GOP Agree

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