Inside Trump Tower, supporters sing election serenade
Musical duo denies anti-Semitism among candidate’s backers, sings song about protecting and supporting Israel
By Eric Cortellessa November 9, 2016, 12:50 am



NEW YORK — Inside Trump Tower on Tuesday morning, things were relatively subdued, with a few supporters — and perhaps others merely curious to sample the mood there on Election Day — wandering throughout the 5th Avenue skyscraper.

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But inside the bar at Trump Grill was an unusual pair who were each donning a cowboy hat, cowboy boots, an American flag-designed robe and white underwear.

And they had guitars. Guitars ornamented with “Trump Pence” bumperstickers. They describe themselves as representing the movement that Trump has unleashed since beginning his improbable bid for the White House in June 2015.

As the hours were dwindling down before the polls close across a nation soon to choose its next leader amidst the most divisive election in modern history, this duo entertained a small crowd with their Election Day serenade.

Robert Burck, 45, who also goes by the moniker Naked Cowboy, and Robert Coffman, 51, set up by the bar, explained to this reporter not only why they support Trump but why they also think he is likely to “win in a landslide, including in the states of New Jersey and New York” before singing their routine songs that ticks off a litany of Trump policy priorities, including support for Israel.

“We’re gonna protect Israel and the Iron Dome / we don’t want those nukes flying home / that sounds like a good idea to me,” the lyrics say.

On Trump’s appeal to them, and why they think he’s appealed to so many like them, Burck said, “He’s an American exceptionalist, he’s not an apologist like Obama,” before ticking off grievances he holds with the current president and his perception of his political agenda.

“Redistribution of wealth. It’s for pussies,” he said. “America, it’s built on the concept of self-reliance. Do it your damn self. Don’t pander to the women. If women want to have a baby, have a baby, pay for it. You want childcare, pay for it. You’re black and you don’t have a job. Well, work harder and get the money. Now, I believe in tolerance and compassion, but not hyper-tolerance and so much compassion.”

On the subject of controversies that have engulfed Trump’s candidacy, Burck insisted there was nothing there. “I grab my wife by the **** every chance I can,” he said, a reference to the controversial 2005 tape that emerged last month in which Trump is heard boasting about making unwanted advances, including kissing and grabbing women.

“I mean, let’s be a man here,” Burck said.

Burck, who has apparently ran for New York City mayor and president in the past, also dismissed accusations that the Trump campaign was fostering anti-Semitism in this country.

“When people constantly tell you they’re being discriminated against, it almost makes you feel like, they end up being discriminated against because they constantly talk about being discriminated against,” he told The Times of Israel.

“It’s not just Jewish people,” he added. “I would say someone like Trump is merit-based. He’s really puts forth his own efforts every day. Don’t tell me you need something because you’re a woman or you’re black, or because you’re a latino, or because you’re an LGBT and you need a special bathroom.”
Trump Tower in Manhattan (Eric Cortellessa/Times of Israel)

Trump Tower in Manhattan (Eric Cortellessa/Times of Israel)

While they both predict a Trump victory — and blame the media for not accurately reflecting voter turnout and polling outcomes — Burck and Coffman said they were willing to accept the legitimacy of a Clinton victory, but they won’t walk away from the movement Trump has made them feel a part of.

“We don’t have a choice,” Coffman said about the election results. “But I will continue to support the philosophy of Trumpism. But if we are lucky, in just a few hours we will live in the country we have been waiting to live in our whole lives.”