A few weeks ago he was busy dropping $69,000 on some Miley Cyrus paintings of Caitlyn Jenner, but now Ernie Boch Jr. has turned his attention to politics. According to reports, the Massachusetts car magnate, owner of Boch Enterprise, and founder of the Music Drives Us charity will host Donald Trump later this month at his Norwood estate.
The $100 event, which will be private, will take place August 28 and feature live music and a speech by Trump, the controversial Republican figure running for United States president.
“I think it’s good to bring Donald Trump to an up-close and personal situation where we can listen to the man and decide,” Boch tells WCVB Channel 5 in Boston.
When the news station brought up Trump’s recent statements about women, including Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly, as well as disparaging remarks about minorities, Boch says we shouldn’t be too quick to judge.
“I think some of the things he says he shouldn’t say,” adds Boch. “But I think a lot of things he says, he’s saying in jest, with humor, and people are taking it wrong.”
Boch, who has supported past Republican candidates like Gov. Charlie Baker and former Gov. Mitt Romney, and held a party for Scott Brown on the same lawn he’ll host Trump, says his invitation isn’t necessarily an endorsement.
“I believe that if you are interested in exploring a bit more about who Mr. Trump is, then seeing him up close and personal is the best way to do it,” Boch tells the Boston Globe. “I think that it’s a good opportunity to come and hear him speak.”
The Globe reports that Boch is “intrigued” by Trump.
“What attracts me to Mr. Trump is that he is not a politician and that he doesn’t speak like a politician. And to me, that’s refreshing,” says Boch, adding: “Do I agree with everything he said at the debate? Absolutely not. But he is who he is. I’m not telling people who to vote for. I’m just here to bring people together to listen to him talk and let them decide on their own.”
Boch also once had his own band, Ernie & The Automatics; watch them perform at the Opera House in Boston back in 2007…