DAVID MARCUS: As Democrats protest in Dallas, conservatives are quiet and cautious

On Thursday afternoon, former Democratic Party superstar Beto O’Rourke headlined a protest at Dallas City Hall that drew about 300 angry, loud Democrats and socialists convinced that in fighting against President Donald Trump and the GOP, they are saving America from fascism.

At the entrance to the event was a man holding a sign that read "MAGA = Fascist," complete with a swastika on it — and that was one of the nicer sentiments expressed in the homage signage seen around the event.

"I can’t stand the man.

You cannot be a Christian while following that man," said Bonnie, an activist in her 60s, when asked why Trump provoked so much outright hatred.

DAVID MARCUS: AHEAD OF GOP CONVENTION, DALLAS DEMS SHARE WORRIED OPTIMISM And it wasn’t just Trump.

When asked about more generic Republicans like Sen.

Ted Cruz, R-Texas, or Sen.

John Thune, R-ND, Bonnie said, "If they allow him to do what he’s doing, they’re all in the same boat." Rick, also post-retirement age, held a sign that read, "Conservatives Against Trump," and described his values as "small, limited government, a strong national defense, and fiscal responsibility." JOHN FETTERMAN DEFENDS TRUMP SUPPORTERS, CONDEMNS FELLOW DEMOCRATS' 'F--- TRUMP' STRATEGY Asked whether he was concerned that the leftward lurch of the Democrats also threatened those centrist principles, Rick replied, "Clearly, both parties, both major parties, have become polarized." From the stage came vitriol about everything from Jeffrey Epstein to data centers, in the form of both speeches and song, while a small counterprotest was held at bay by Dallas police.

The theme of fascism was present on so many of the signs that I eventually asked one protester what they meant by the term, to which he simply replied, "If you don’t know then I can’t help you" — which was not particularly clarifying.

The vocal zeal with which these protesters and other Democrats I met in Dallas denounce all things Republican stands in stark contrast with many of the conservatives I spoke to in the city, who, notwithstanding living in red Texas, tend to be a bit shy about their beliefs.

"At my son’s school, and around some friends, I just don’t bring up that I support Trump.

It's just not worth it," said one woman, who asked to remain anonymous.

She also told me of friends she has who send out two sets of Christmas cards each year, one MAGA themed and one not.

She now receives the former each holiday season.