Prez working crowd before rally? Fake news!
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Donald Trump worked the crowd outside the SNHU Arena, posing for photos and flashing thumbsup signs — or at least his likeness did. Eric Jackman is a Trump impersonator. He’s been dressing up as The Donald since the end of 2015, though his interest in the businessman-turned-president stretches back years. “I’m fascinated with Donald Trump,” Jackman said. “When I heard Trump was actually running for president, I was like, ‘I have to impersonate him.’”
Jackman, of Peterboro, N.H., has spent years honing his act, learning Trump’s mannerisms and attending his events — in a costume that includes a suit, red tie, white shirt, blonde wig, sunglasses and, yes, orange-tinted face makeup.
“I try to have organic conversations with people so they feel like they’re actually having a conversation with Trump,” Jackman said.
But Jackman, an independent, actually favors U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, one of the 23 Democratic presidential hopefuls. When he’s not dressed up as the commander in chief, Jackman is helping the Hawaiian congresswoman’s campaign here.
“I believe Tulsi is the only Democrat who can beat Donald Trump,” Jackman said. “I tell people I’m not a blind supporter of Trump and I’m not a blind hater of Trump.”
But Jackman gestured to the long line of Trump’s supporters eager to get inside — and eager to take a picture with a presidential lookalike — and said, “No other candidate is going to get a crowd like this. I think as long as the economy stays good and we don’t get into a stupid war, I think he’ll be re-elected.”