Man’s dying wish fulfilled with call from Trump

WEST HAVEN (Connecticut): A terminally ill Connecticut man who’s a big supporter of President Donald Trump is getting a bucket list wish fulfilled, with help from his Democratic sister.

Jay Barrett, of West Haven, who has cystic fibrosis, left the hospital to begin palliative care at his sister’s home last weekend and asked for some sort of contact with the president before he dies.

His sister, West Haven City councilwoman Bridgette Hoskie, who describes herself as “100% Democrat”, went on social media to help make it happen. Friends and other supporters sent emails to the White House.

The efforts paid off on Tuesday night when Barrett, 44, received a call from Trump.

“Mr President, through thick and thin, you know there’s been a lot of thicks, and there’s been a lot of thins, I support you,” Barrett said.

Trump told Barrett he’s a “champ”, and that a personal letter is coming his way.

“You’re my kind of man, Jay. ... I’m very proud of you,” Trump said.

“I’ll talk to you again, Jay, OK? You keep that fight going. We both fight.”

Barrett, who for most of his life considered himself an independent, voted for President Barack Obama in 2008, but didn’t like many of his polices, including the Affordable Care Act.

Barrett said he came to realise he was a Republican and fell in love with Trump’s style at the launch of his campaign, and later, because of his policies.