Kansas City veteran drives hours to make Trump event

Among the faithful at Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University Thursday night was Ernie Ratcliffe, 68, a Vietnam War veteran who drove from Kansas City to support “Mr. Donald J. Trump.”

“I love Donald J. Trump,” said Ratcliffe, a former forklift salesman. “He’s going to do a great job for our veterans, he’s going to get this VA hospital situation squared away and cut the waiting lists.”

He said Trump has the “business experience, he knows how to get his hands in there and make changes.”

Asked about charges from some veterans’ groups that Trump was politicizing veterans’ issues, Ratcliffe grew animated.

“I know where his heart is and his heart is in the right place,” he said. “Those that say that don’t know the real Donald J. Trump.”

He said Trump has quietly helped people without fanfare and “that’s the mark of a man of integrity.”

Trump will change the country, Ratcliffe said. “You have no idea how great it’s going to be.”

He also dismissed concerns that skipping the Republican debate held by the Fox News Channel would hurt Trump among voters.

“This is going to help,” he said, pointing to the massive bank of television cameras. “This is going to bring important attention to the veterans.”

This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 8:58 AM with the headline "Kansas City veteran drives hours to make Trump event."