It was a subdued start to the Brainwashed Tour on the UNR campus today. There were no protests or rallying cries.
After arriving on time, Turning Point USA founder and president Charlie Kirk told college students to register in Nevada, rather than California if their parents were from there, and even change their registration on the spot if needed.
Unlike California, Washoe County where UNR is located is swingy and could be one of the determining areas as to who wins the tight 2024 US presidential race.
After free tee-shirts were given out with Frats for Trump written on them, and MAGA hats were thrown into the crowd, Kirk, 30, called on students to return former President Donald Trump to power.
He then started fielding and answering questions in a way that was favorable to Trump and against Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, from inside a central canopy.
Those who wanted to ask a question initially had to weave through the crowd and step up to a microphone outside right in front of him.
Questions ranged from abortion to the value of getting a college degree.
The event’s goal was to host a “Prove Me Wrong” session with Kirk who welcomed people to ask him questions in front of a crowd of students outside on a warm and sunny early afternoon.
Mason Romero was holding a sign advertising the event and said that the purpose was to start a conversation.
“We at Turning Point believe that dialogue is important,” he said. “The more we talk with each other, the closer we become as a society… So Charlie wants to unite America not divide it.”
Other students, like Gavin Barbera, saw a crowd of people and were drawn in.
“I mean, hey, I wanted to see what everyone was crowding around the Joe Crowley for,” he said. “I guess it would be interesting to see what he says. Doubt I would agree with a lot of it.”
Another student Vanessa came for the debate and said that even though she does not agree with Kirk, he’s still human and deserves to be listened to.
By three p.m., the Brainwashed Tour was packed up with a stop later this week at Oregon State University.
Former President Trump is now expected Friday for an evening rally at the GSR, while Democratic vice presidential nominee Governor Tim Walz is in town tonight.
Our Town Reno reporting with content provided by Quay Skankey