From Madison, Alabama -
Before a huge crowd at a high school football stadium, Donald Trump continued his stern criticism of Marco Rubio and secured his first endorsement from a sitting Senator, as Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) formally announced he would back Trump on Super Tuesday in the Yellowhammer State.
"At this time in American history, we need to make America great again," Sessions said to cheers of "USA! USA!" from the crowd.
Jamie Dupree
Jamie Dupree
Trump meanwhile delighted his supporters by repeatedly skewering Rubio - a colleague of Sessions - often referring to "lightweight Marco Rubio."
"We don't need a guy who is sweating and scared," Trump said, as he says behind the scenes as GOP debates, Rubio is a Nervous Nellie.
"The guy, they hate him in Florida, he can't be elected dog catcher in Florida," Trump said to cheers.
This rally for Trump was a distinct change from Trump rallies that took place before last week's GOP debate in Houston, as the GOP front runner barely mentioned Ted Cruz on Sunday, while going after Rubio over and over again.
"Little Marco Rubio," Trumped taunted.
Jamie Dupree
Jamie Dupree
"I'm not a con man," Trump said dismissively several times during his speech, as he defended his business record, and tried to push back against Rubio's attacks.
"I built an incredible business," Trump said, as he mocked Rubio's recent attacks, and called Rubio and Cruz "morons."
"This is really a movement; we are going to take our country back," Trump said as the crowd roared.
"I hope he stands behind everything he says," said Ann Grays of Bremen, Alabama.
Asked if she had considered anyone else, Grays made her answer very clear.
"No. Not going to start now," she added.
Others at the rally were still trying to figure out their vote on Tuesday.
"I'm truly undecided right now," said Jamie Hudson of Hazelgreen, Alabama, who admitted he was in part at Trump's rally, "for the spectacle."
Hudson had been to Marco Rubio's rally on Saturday, and indicated he was picking between Rubio and Trump.
As for the size of the crowd, Trump said it was as many as 35,000; whatever the number was, it was obvious to this reporter that it may well have been the largest rally for Trump in this campaign.
Trump will wrap up his campaign work for Super Tuesday with stops on Monday in both Virginia and Georgia.
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