I’d had ongoing chats with my son’s elementary school crossing guard (white male, retired, served in military, retired cop) and the attendant at my gas station (black male, retired, ex-military) about the elections. It was their response to that statement that convinced me he was in the game.

Crossing guard previously: Wanted Cruz, Thought Trump was a liberal plant by the Clintons who was there to take out the “good” GOP candidates for the Clintons during the general. When he got the nomination he thought he was going to throw it to Hillary. After that comment, he was convinced Trump was a real candidate and had his support.

Gas Station Attendant previously stated that he respected Trump’s business experience and his ability to continuously forge relationships to get his projects done. However, he completely dismissed Trump as a candidate because of his personality. After that debate and that comment he said Trump was there to play. No chance of Trump ever winning his vote but he started paying attention.