Even on Vance's big debate night in New York, Trump is still center stage for MAGA's faithful

As hundreds of Republicans gathered outside the CBS studio ahead of the first vice presidential debate, many were confident that JD Vance would do an excellent job. But despite Tuesday being the Ohio Senator’s moment to shine, one person seemingly could not go without mention – Donald Trump.

“Donald Trump asked us to come here. Very rarely does Trump say ‘come to a certain point and rally for me’,” said Dion Cini. “I’m glad that Donald Trump finally started asking to do some grass roots rallies, because that’s what we really need.”

Cini told The Independent that he had been to every single one of the former president’s indictments, taking with him an enormous 16 by 20 feet banner which, he said, “is one of my smaller flags.”

When asked specifically about Vance, Cini said he knew the senator would “do a good job,” but said it was still “questionable” about whether or not he would want him to be Commander-In-Chief.

“I’m hoping that if Donald Trump does win, he’s going to live for at least four years, but hopefully I’ll grow to like JD Vance, because everything that he said so far, I like,” he said.

Cini’s sentiments were echoed by multiple others in the crowd in midtown, with the vast majority of hats, signs and flags endorsing the Trump- Vance campaign, though some referenced Trump alone. In contrast Democratic supporters who gathered round the corner – directly opposite the studios – held signs reading “Coach,” a direct reference to Tim Walz.

Back in the Republican camp, the son of former NYC mayor and Trump attorney Rudi Giuliani, Andrew Giuliani, said that he was looking forward to the debate, but admitted that the city’s “close affinity” lay primarily with the former president.

“I think [Vance] is going to do really