Trump tries to bring out vote in S.C.

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — President Donald Trump returned the favor Monday for one of his earliest supporters, urging South Carolinians to get out and vote for Republican Gov. Henry McMaster so he won’t have to read negative news coverage should McMaster not survive a runoff election.

Trump predicted news reports will say he suffered a “great defeat” or a “humiliating” defeat if McMaster loses Tuesday.

“So please, get your asses out tomorrow and vote,” Trump said, kicking off a rally for a staunch ally in a high school gymnasium in West Columbia.

Trump arrived more than an hour late because poor weather conditions kept Air Force One circling in the air. McMaster was among those waiting on the soggy airport tarmac to greet the president.

Trump said McMaster is a “good man or I wouldn’t be here.”

Trump opened the rally with prayers for a congressional candidate who ousted a frequent Trump critic, GOP congressman Mark Sanford.

Trump said they need to send good thoughts to state Rep. Katie Arrington, who was injured in a car accident over the weekend. He also told those at the rally that Sanford “never liked me very much.”

The president also dug into favorite conflicts, including tough trade negotiations with U.S. allies, his ongoing fight with Democrats over immigration, his 2016 election victory and his tension with late-night television host Jimmy Fallon.

The crowd of more than a 1,000 booed when Trump mentioned Fallon.

On Sunday, Trump targeted the “Tonight Show” host, saying Fallon is “now whimpering” about the criticism he received for tousling then-candidate Trump’s hair during a September 2016 appearance.

Monday night, Trump said he told Fallon on social media to “just be a man.”