CINCINNATI — Donald Trump took the stage at 7:50 p.m. at the U.S. Bank Arena in front of a full, enthusiastic crowd.

Supporters waving signs and wearing shirts bearing the Republican nominee’s name filled the floor in front of the stage as others found seats in the chairs above.

Jake Miller, 21, of Cincinnati, said he has supported Trump since the primaries.

"He's not a puppet like the rest of them," said Mr. Miller, who wore a ”Hillary for Prison” t-shirt.

Jennifer Gattermeyer, of Hamilton, Ohio, said the decision is one of electing the "the lesser of two evils."

"I think he's our best bet for a leader right now," she said. "I'm very upset that that Hillary is still running after everything that has come out.

The thought of a Clinton presidency is frightening, said Ms. Gattermeyer, who described herself as a political independent.

She cited the economy and the return of good paying jobs to Ohio as top campaign issues, and said she believed Trump would be more successful in improving things.

As for the recent media reports and recordings of Mr. Trump’s lewd comments and actions toward women, she said it doesn’t sway her vote.

"Something happened 30 years ago, and is it the truth?" she said. "I really don't care. I think it matters but I'm not going to be in a relationship with him."

Mr. Trump heads to Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday.

Contact Lauren Lindstrom at llindstrom@theblade.com, 419-724-6154, or on Twitter @lelindstrom.

First Published October 13, 2016, 11:44 p.m.