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SCRANTON — As the line of supporters awaiting the arrival of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden continued to grow, so did the crowd of protesters.

“Voting for Hillary because she’s a woman is like eating a turd because it looks like a Tootsie Roll,” yelled Ray Montie, 49, through a megaphone outside of Riverfront Sports Complex. Montie organized the growing group of protesters that surrounded him at Monday’s rally.

A common trend formed in each of the protester’s statements. They don’t love the idea of a “President Trump,” but they believe it to be a better option than his Democrat counterpart.

Montie loudly declared his disdain for Clinton to her passing supporters, even engaging in arguments with some. He explained why he could not support Clinton in one word: corruption. He said, although he recognizes Trump isn’t perfect, “he loves America.”

Kevin Johnson, 40, has been a registered Democrat his whole life — until now.

“I would vote for my dog before Hillary,” Johnson said, sporting a “Hillary for Prison” T-shirt. He said Trump is the safer option, and he doesn’t trust Clinton because she has a history of “constant dishonesty.”

“Four years of Trump doing absolutely nothing is better than Hillary,” Johnson said.

Among the signs and T-shirts bashing Clinton, Robert Kuniegel, 66, stood silently, letting his sign convey his message on its own. It read “Clinton … grand talk, vile action.” Kuniegel said he is baffled that Biden is supporting Clinton, referring to her as a “criminal.”

“Trump had it right when he said she’s the most corrupt person to ever run for the White House,” Kuniegel said. “If she wins, it’s proof that our form of government needs to change. It’s not right when a criminal can run (for president).”

Liz Gabel, 69, also expressed her concerns about Clinton.

“She’s crooked, she lies and she belongs in jail,” she said, holding up a sign that had a picture of Clinton behind bars and read “Qualified for the big house, not the White House.”

As far as the controversy surrounding Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, for whom they all said they will vote, they collectively believe it is misrepresentation by the media.

“The things he says are misinterpreted. The media twists things,” Gabel said. “It’s all media made-up controversy,” added Kuniegel.

Montie conceded he does think Trump should watch what he says, but believes he is still a better choice for the country than Clinton.

“Trump is the alternative,” agreed Paul Gabel, 69.

Robert Kuniegel protests Hillary Clinton on Monday outside of Riverfront Sports Complex in Scranton.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_IMG_6542-1.jpg.optimal.jpgRobert Kuniegel protests Hillary Clinton on Monday outside of Riverfront Sports Complex in Scranton. Alyssa Mursch | Times Leader

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_IMG_6543-1.jpg.optimal.jpgAlyssa Mursch | Times Leader

Protesters hold signs high, yelling to Clinton supporters as they pass by on Mike Munchak Way in Scranton.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_IMG_6545-1.jpg.optimal.jpgProtesters hold signs high, yelling to Clinton supporters as they pass by on Mike Munchak Way in Scranton. Alyssa Mursch | Times Leader

Protesters lined the street before the event site. 8/15/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times Leader
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL081616Sidebar1-1.jpg.optimal.jpgProtesters lined the street before the event site. 8/15/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times LeaderAlyssa Mursch | Times Leader

8/15/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times Leader
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL081616Sidebar2-1.jpg.optimal.jpg8/15/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times LeaderAlyssa Mursch | Times Leader

8/15/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times Leader
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL081616Sidebar3-1.jpg.optimal.jpg8/15/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times LeaderAlyssa Mursch | Times Leader

By Alyssa Mursch

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