I received an invitation to Chuck Edwards’ townhall only two days before the event. With such short notice, imagine my surprise—and delight—when I found that more than 2,000 people had mobilized and showed up last Thursday.
Hoping to Get In
AB Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium holds fewer than 400 people. The line stretched past the building, around the parking lot, and back down the other side. We waited patiently, chatting with strangers and applauding whenever someone walked past with a sign we liked. Even though we had little hope of getting inside, we stayed.
If there were pro-Edwards or pro-Trump attendees, they remained quiet—no MAGA hats were in sight. Instead, people carried signs addressing almost every concern important to Democrats: the environment, the SAVE Act, women's rights, federal workers, veterans, Trump, Musk, and more.
When the auditorium reached capacity, the 1,000+ people outside spontaneously turned into a rally. Someone brought a mic and speaker, people spoke passionately to cheers, and chants broke out. People took photos of themselves with protest signs and captured images of the vibrant crowd. As we milled about, trying to stream the event on our phones, I suddenly felt optimistic, wondering if others shared my feeling. Then, from behind me, a woman confirmed, “This gives me hope.”
Gotta Hand It to Chuck
I decided to stream the townhall from our car (don’t worry—my spouse was driving!). I missed Edwards’ opening remarks but assumed they were self-promoting and meant to appease the crowd.
After two years here, I'd never seen Edwards in person and didn’t know what to expect. But, unlike many Republicans who've avoided public appearances, Edwards showed up, fully aware he'd face significant opposition.
The crowd was relentless, heckling him from the start. Yet, to his credit, Edwards remained calm and patient, answering questions despite frequent hostile interruptions. Only near the end did his frustration show, as he began wrapping up with a loudly sarcastic, “Hey, this has been fun.”
Good Questions, Not-So-Good Answers
The hour-long Q&A was frustrating due to constant interruptions, but some statements from Edwards stood out:
He supports abolishing the Department of Education.
He supports Musk and DOGE, believing they enhance government efficiency.
He believes Trump supports Ukraine, NATO, and our Constitution.
He supports extending temporary status for Ukrainians in NC.
He supports Trump’s trade war, claiming it strengthens the U.S. economy (he oddly linked fentanyl issues to Canada).
He acknowledged that the House budget resolution didn’t explicitly specify Medicare or Medicaid cuts but ignored implications of $880 billion in proposed cuts.
He avoided explicitly supporting changes to Social Security, emphasizing informed decision-making.
He claimed there were no cuts to the VA.
He expressed ignorance about FDA and CDC vaccine-related cancellations, saying vaccination is an individual choice.
In short, Edwards mostly aligned with Trumpian ideology, differing only on annexing Canada and Greenland, which he opposes. His true congressional actions remain to be seen.
Inspiration for Us All
Two statements from Edwards stood out:
“I hope you certainly stay engaged.”
“You have the right to cast your vote in the next election.”
We all must do both!
Sidebar - Favorite Signs:
You can’t spell FELON without ELON.
Morons Are Governing America (MAGA)
You think education is expensive? Try ignorance.
(Hand-drawn Ruth Bader Ginsberg image with lace collar): “I didn’t leave you. I passed you the baton. It’s your turn now. GET UP and fight.”
Carolann Connor
Weekend Joe
Don’t Miss This:
Nationwide Day of Action
April 5, 2025
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Pack Square Amphitheater, Asheville
Presented by Good Trouble WNCwww.FiftyFifty.one
#ChuckEdwards #Townhall #AshevillePolitics #GoodTroubleWNC #StayEngaged #Vote #WeekendJoe #TownHallMeeting #ProtestSigns #LocalPolitics #NCPolitics #DemocracyInAction #PoliticalActivism #CommunityVoices #HoldThemAccountable #GoodTrouble #AshevilleEvents
Comments