DALLAS — Donald Trump’s rally at the American Airlines Center Monday night boasted the crowd size, the intensity, the hero worship and level of excitement not seen since Democrats packed Barack Obama’s rallies in 2008 and 2012.

It was a new experience for many Republicans — something essentially unheard of at a GOP event, especially one so early in the campaign season. Looking around in wonder, one attendee asked simply, “Well, why shouldn’t Republicans have someone to be excited by?”