Donald Trump’s rally at the American Airlines Center Monday night boasted the crowd size, the intensity, the hero worship and level of excitement not seen since Democrats packed Barack Obama’s rallies in 2008 and 2012.

It was a new experience for many Republicans — something essentially unheard of at a GOP event, especially one so early in the campaign season. Looking around in wonder, one attendee asked simply, “Well, why shouldn’t Republicans have someone to be excited by?”

The arena can hold 20,000 people, and Trump had predicted a full house. It wasn’t quite full; the uppermost levels, especially in the area behind Trump, were empty. Arena officials estimated 15,000 people came, after which the Dallas Morning News noted that it was “the biggest political theater in Dallas since Barack Obama, as a candidate, packed the old Reunion Arena. That event, in 2008, attracted more than 17,000 people.”

Read the article “Trump’s Huge Texas Rally Rivals Obama’s 2008 Crowds” on washingtonexaminer.com.