Trump and his faithful followers return to Butler, Pa., to energize the flock

Nearly eight hours before Trump spoke in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, Bernie Haney and his wife, Christa, managed to get seats near the stage. They had been present for the shooting on July 13, and God was part of their decision to return.

"We had some hesitation about coming," said Bernie Haney. "But we absolutely believe that God was looking over him because of the angel, and so if God was looking after him then, he'd be looking out for him now."

That “angel” he mentioned refers to a massive flag that hung over the stage on July 13. When the wind tangled it, some believed the resulting shape looked like an angel. After Trump narrowly escaped assassination, the flag took on a weightier meaning.

On Saturday, that flag-angel was shown constantly on the rally screens, and it was even on a sign on the way into town.

It’s an example of a years-long phenomenon: the evangelical Christianity that long predated Trump in the GOP has now fused with Trump’s cult of personality, as he has taken over the GOP. The result is a potent fuel for his campaign that was very apparent in Butler Saturday.

Somber reflection, with lots of celebration

The rally was somber at times — there was a moment of silence for Corey Comperatore, who died on July 13. That moment was followed by the sound of a tolling bell and a recording of Ave Maria.

But the mood also often turned celebratory, as when multiple speakers credited God for saving him from the shooter.

Among them was vice presidential nominee JD Vance.

"I believe, as sure as I'm standing here today, that what happened was a true miracle," Vance told the crowd. "And on that day, America felt the truth of scripture — 'Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no