Did that really happen?
Didn't post yesterday because I was working on a video you can watch here in the gallery or on my twitter feed @politicsrus4 For 90 minutes, reality was suspended as I watched Donald J Trump, hang a nation's reputation from a tree by it's feet and slit it's throat, I am still in shock from Trumps call to the 'Proud Boys' (a violent white supremacist group) to 'Stand back and stand by. Just for clarification, blow are some quotes from a member of that organisation;
“Palestinians are stupid. Muslims are stupid. And the only thing they really respect is violence and being tough.”
—Gavin McInnes, The Gavin McInnes Show, March 8, 2017
“Why don’t we take back Bethlehem? Why don’t we take back Northern Iraq? Why don’t we start our own Crusades? That’s what the Crusades were. They weren’t just someone picking on Muslims for no reason — they were a reaction to Muslim tyranny. We finally fought back.”
—Gavin McInnes, The Gavin McInnes Show, March 8, 2017
“Maybe the reason I’m sexist is because women are dumb. No, I’m just kidding, ladies. But you do tend to not thrive in certain areas — like writing.”
—Gavin McInnes, The Gavin McInnes Show, June 28, 2017
However shocking these statements may be, they are sadly statements that would not be out of place coming from the President of the United States. How shocking is that?.
The big takeaway from the car crash of the debate, is that Trump is truly desperate. I can only think, he has a real fear of prosecution and that he needs to retain power to avoid prison. There has been much criticism of Chris Wallace, but I respectfully suggest that no matter who was in that seat, they could not have controlled the rabid aggressor that was Donald J Trump. Wallace did try to ask relevant questions, but Trump never intended to follow the script or listen.
If ever you wanted a measure of the importance of words, within an hour, this image was adorning 'Proud Boys' social media feeds. WORDS MATTER Mr President. What happened last night, was effectively a call to arms to white supremacy groups by the Commander in Chief.
What really is very strange to me, is that Trump simply can't win without appealing beyond his base. If he seriously thinks that his performance last night moved the needle on key demographics, he needs to see a doctor. 'Suburban housewives' as he unfortunately describes them, do not want to be associated with overt racism, at least not openly. His sledgehammer messaging would make any right minded American run for the hills. He has effectively pushed the nuclear button on the campaign. He genuinely believes that it will serve him well in his fear campaign. I would respectfully beg to differ.
Four years ago, Hilary Clinton made the fatal mistake of calling Trump supporters 'deplorables'. It was misguided and disrespectful then, as it would be now. Having engaged with a number of Trump's supporters on Twitter, they have a deep rooted belief in him and his message. In a democratic society their right to their views are sacred and rightly protected, however we may fervently disagree with them, I respect their right to hold their views and whilst I can not claim to have convinced any of them to change their position, I have seen very verbally aggressive people, come around to accepting that I have a view too and apologise for aggressive behaviour. That is as much as I can ask and I applaud and respect them for it.
There was so many things wrong about the debate last night, but the key takeaway for me, may be beneficial to Biden. I openly say that I dislike Trump with all my heart, but he took me to a new place last night. It was almost as if he was having a mental health episode live on TV. His behaviour challenged all societal norms, he literally suffers withdrawal symptoms if five minutes pass, without him being able to extol about his numbers or who is supporting him. It's like a terminal illness, it eats him up day by day if he can't tell the world what a fantastic job he's doing. On the other hand, to his credit, Joe Biden remained remarkably level headed and calm. Even in the face of abhorrent attacks on his son and his experience drug addiction, he stood behind his son, acknowledging his demons expressing how proud he was of his boy and as a father, I can absolutely relate to that, as I am sure did the nation. He refrained from retaliating and looked a bigger man for it Prior to the debate, I have to admit to being nervous for Joe. Not because he is not very capable, but because you can feel that public speaking is still a challenge, simply because he has to subconsciously wrestle with his stammer.
I should I suppose, be celebrating that Trump exploded a political IED live in front of tens of millions of people. However, I have to admit to feeling very sad that the integrity of a nation is being burned like an American flag in the gutter of morality for the world to see and I know that the American people are much much better than that. On that note, I would appeal to the American people to vote like your life depends on it, simple because it does. If you can vote early, do it. If you are voting by mail-in vote, check check and double check your ballot. Follow ALL the guidance provided and track your vote online if you can. If you are voting in person, take a drink some food etc as it may be very a long wait, DO NOT be intimidated by Trump supporters outside polling places. If in any way you feel intimidated, reach out to local police for help. By and large the police are good honourable people who are there to serve and protect you and your right to vote. Trump will be throwing everything at suppressing the votes of those who are not supporting him. It is your constitutional right to have your voice heard and you have an obligation to your nation to make sure you participate in the process.
November 3 has the potential to be VERY UGLY. It is going to take balls to do your duty and vote. The only way that there is any chance Donald J Trump will accept the outcome, is if he is comprehensively beaten. So if you believe change is imperative, then you need to make it happen. Trump is not bigger than the office of president. However ugly it may get, the US army will not step in, other than to remove him from office if he violates the constitution. You have the support of every right minded citizen of the world in your endeavour to rescue a nation.
The real test for politics and integrity will be the response from Republican representatives in both houses. Rick Santorum on CNN got off to a shocking start defending the indefensible, but it is an indication that it is absolutely true that he could walk up to someone on 5th Avenue and shoot them without consequence.. Trump's behaviour, has the potential to have a devastating effect on down-ballot Republicans, so I'm off now to sit back and watch what elected Republicans are going to do. You should do that too.
Over and out