“The risk is that these rallies become flashpoints between his supporters and his opponents, which prevents him from following through on his election night promise to bring the country together,” said a Republican strategist who has worked on campaigns and in a presidential administration.

“It’s obvious that there are very raw feelings around the country right now,” this strategist continued. “Rubbing salt in those wounds before you even get to an inauguration sets that process back.”

Democrats are also worried about the precedent Trump is setting, since Trump will be hitting the campaign trail less than a month after he won.

Some Democrats accept comparisons to Obama, but contend Trump raises the “permanent campaign” to a level typically found in quasi-authoritarian regimes built around the cult of personality-style leadership.