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Thousands Attend 'Not My Presidents Day' Rally In Columbus Circle

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Protesters across the country are attending what's being billed as "Not My Presidents Day" rallies, including thousands in Columbus Circle outside the Trump International Hotel.

PHOTOS: 'Not My Presidents Day' Rally In Columbus Circle

Stretching back several blocks, crowds gathered Monday on Central Park West to protest President Donald Trump's policies.

Some demonstrators waved signs reading things like, "Reject hate," "Dump Trump" and "Impeach," 1010 WINS' Al Jones reported.

Protester Lisa Lawrence just doesn't feel the president holds any of her values.

"For me to come to these things, it's about solidarity," she told WCBS 880's Kelly Waldron. "I wanna show people that I am here for all Americans, not just a select few."

Aray Potter is concerned about democracy.

"And since I'm from eastern Europe, I see all the signs of dictatorship in this country and I'm afraid," Potter said.

There were also some Trump supporters who came before the rally began in an effort to give a counter-message, Jones reported.

Meanwhile, the president's holiday weekend featured his own raucous campaign rally, a health care strategy session, interviews for a new national security adviser and even a few holes of golf.

Trump brought four contenders to his private club Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Sunday as he seeks a replacement for retired Gen. Michael Flynn, who was ousted last week. Trump says he wants to make a decision in the next few days.

The president also drilled down on policy during his working weekend at Mar-a-Lago, attending a strategy session on how to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Joining him were Health Secretary Tom Price and the director of the White House budget office, Mick Mulvaney.

(TM and © Copyright 2017 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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