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Donald Trump's Cincinnati 'Thank You' event presents unique opportunity for president-elect

What to expect from Trump at Cincy event?
Posted at 5:35 PM, Nov 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-01 11:46:53-05

CINCINNATI -- President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence will visit Cincinnati as the first major stop in their 'Thank You' tour 2016.

The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at U.S. Bank Arena.

Experts say how Trump conducts himself is key to a smooth transition into office. University of Cincinnati political science professor David Niven said the tour presents a unique opportunity for Trump.

MORE: Cincinnati didn't vote for Donald Trump, but he's here for 'Thank You' tour anyway

"This is an opportunity in a city that voted against him to not only celebrate the victory, but to celebrate the chance to speak to all Americans and not be the person who, as a candidate, referred to Barack Obama as 'your' president, and to try to be someone that Americans can think of as our president," Niven said.

Will the Trump speaking Cincinnati be the composed president-elect seen the night of the election, or the more fiery Trump seen on the campaign trail?

"He clearly evolved as a candidate a bit toward the end," Niven said. "You know, for a president who loses the popular vote, there is a particularly big imperative to expand and speak to those who decided against you. The notion of a victory tour doesn't necessarily sound reassuring."

Hamilton County GOP Chairman Alex Triantafilou said he expects a full audience and an energetic speech from Trump.

"The meetings that you see with him and Mitt Romney are indicative of how you see he'll deal with some of his critics," Triantafilou said. "He's reached out and sat down and really surprised the political establishment. I think he's going to talk about that -- about his ability to get things done. He's going to remind us of why he won the presidency, because you're going to see a mammoth crowd."

There have already been some hiccups for some of those who wanted tickets. West Chester resident Marcie Rosenton doesn't support Trump, but was still trying to secure tickets in order to leave a couple empty seats.

"I was trying to make a bit of a statement for my fellow anti-Trump folk," Rosenton said.

The website for the event states confirmation after sign-up can take two hours. Rosenton said she's been waiting for a day. She said she hopes everyone is allowed inside, unlike campaign events where protestors or Hillary Clinton supporters were not allowed.

"I think equality is what it's all about," Rosenton said. "I think everyone has an opportunity to have a say."

There are also expected to be rallies against Trump outside the U.S. Bank Arena. Authorities said they would have an increased presence inside and outside the arena.