WARSAW — If a series of national No Kings protests over the past 16 months were an attempt to hold President Donald Trump accountable, Saturday’s rallies might be viewed as the closing arguments ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. 

Another round of protests on Saturday afternoon lined up along North Detroit Street near the Warsaw Community Public Library and was among some 2,000 others across the country aimed at venting anger over Trump’s authoritarian style of governing.

Saturday's turnout was smaller than three previous No Kings protests in Warsaw — participants lined up along part of the western block of the street — but the messages were the same: Opposition to the Iran War, anger over Trump's refusal to seek Congressional support on various issues, and continued concerns over affordability.

Democrats hope the Midterm races in Congress will give their party more power to allow them to put a clamp on some of what Trump has been doing with increased Congressional oversight.

Lorraine Chamberlin, of Milford, said she’s concerned about Trump attempts to suppress the vote on Nov. 3, based on his recent efforts to wrestle control of some aspects of the elections that have always been overseen by states, based on the U.S. Constitution.

“What Trump has done to our country is a disgrace. I wish people were better informed about politics so they know just how bad it is and how much we have to fix,” Chamberlin said.

She is also angry over recent steps by Trump to further support Putin in the war against Ukraine.

"I knew he was a horrible choice before he ever ran because he has no integrity. Everything he has done has benefited himself and nobody else, and with Ukraine, that’s just the horrible latest example of all the horrible choices he’s made in his life,” Chamberlin said.

The main theme of the protest on Saturday was to encourage people to take action on Election Day.

A sign held by Brian Smith, chairman of the Democratic Party's Second Congressional District, was simple and to the point: "Vote Nov. 3."

One new twist to Saturday's protest was the growing emergence of the Democratic Socialists of America, a group that has become active at local events and held a gay pride rally in Warsaw earlier this year.

On Saturday, DSA supporters had a booth set up in the middle of the protest and offered literature on several issues, including one titled "What is Socialist Feminism." Another read, "A better world is worth fighting for even when things are really bad."

In general, DSA supports stronger workers' rights and opposes the foundation of capitalism, arguing that government should have a stronger role in business operations.

Local DSA supporters said while their policy positions vary in comparison to the Democrat Party, they are united in opposition to Trump.

Smith, the Democratic Party chair, was asked if he’s concerned that DSA is diluting the Democratic Party’s message.

“Like I said, we’re focused on getting our message out, and we’ve been able to do that by TV, radio and social media, and so we’re confident that Hoosiers understand what the Democratic Party stands for and that we’re going to restore balance to Indiana and Washington, D.C.

Daniel Guzman, a member of DSA, said he plans to attend a Kosciusko County meeting on Tuesday night and ask the county to establish a moratorium on data centers, similar to one approved in Marshall County.

“There are a lot of reasons to oppose data centers, and I think more than anything, we don’t want them here, and they seem to be pushed by businesses and politicians just completely over the heads of people,” Guzman said.

[caption id="attachment_137331" align="alignnone" width="640"] Protesters stood along North Detroit Street in Warsaw during Saturday's No Kings Rally. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_137342" align="aligncenter" width="672"] Daniel Guzman, right, stands alongside another supporter behind a booth set up Saturday by local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America at the No Kings rally on North Detroit Street. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The post No Kings protesters urge voters to channel their anger on Election Day appeared first on News Now Warsaw.