(Jan. 21, 2017) As Americans all around America rallied to defend America against Fake President Donald Trump and his dystopian “American Carnage” vision of our nation on Saturday, several thousand spirited souls gathered here in downtown Portsmouth, NH, a proudly historic community with direct connections to Real President George Washington.

People brought positive energy, optimism and colorful, creative homemade protest signs. I brought the first two, as well as my iPhone to shoot some video of this amazing event following the inauguration of the first Orange Whig Party president. Here is an excellent report from my friend and former colleague Suzanne Laurent from the Portsmouth (NH) Herald.

And then an angry Trump guy smacked me … 

Perhaps a sign of these very strange times, I also experienced an encounter I never could have imagined. As the march began and the river of humanity started flowing through Market Square, I heard some shouting, saw two men arguing and went over to see what was happening.

An obnoxious Trump supporter — enjoying a posible post-inauguration liquid celebration — was shouting about all the demonstrators being “sore losers” and “cry babies.”

As I was recording the scene, he made a joke about being “a deplorable,” walked up to me and smacked my phone out of my hand. I am disappointed to admit that I lost my cool for a moment and grabbed him by his coat with both hands, not quite sure if he had taken my phone or intended to escalate his aggression.

Here are three videos:

• One I shot soaking in the scene at the demonstration and offering a bit of narration.
• My video of Angry Trump Guy ranting, then getting right up in my face and smacking my phone to the pavement
• And one taken by a bystander who captured the entire exchange from another angle.

Welcome to the Donald Trump era. Expect the unexpected. And expect the American people to stand tall for the country we all share and love.

Check out my Inauguration Day page