GREGORY RUSOVICH
Guest Writer
rusovich@lbknews.com
We are living in a period of significant political turmoil. Just in a matter of weeks, we’ve
witnessed an utterly inept debate performance by a visibly failing president; a political party in disarray over whether to dump its presumptive nominee; legal cases against a former president collapse; and an assassination attempt on a former president which led to one of the most powerful and iconic moments in recent American history.
Former President Trump’s reaction on stage following the assassination attempt is indelibly imprinted in Americans minds and hearts. Bloodied, yet resolute, Trump’s raised fist yelling the word, “fight,” demonstrated American grit, courage, and tenacity. As Teamsters President Sean O’Brien stated during his Republican National Convention speech, “Trump has proven to be one tough SOB.” And the former president’s gut reaction showed a man who has an uncanny sense of the moment.
While Trump survived the shooting, fireman Corey Comperatore died while shielding his wife and kids from the bullets. Two other people were also seriously injured. The abysmal failure by the Secret Service had deadly consequences, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has been less than forthcoming concerning the blunder. She has indicated that the roof in which the shooter climbed and fired from was too steep for her agents to position themselves, yet the same perch was left open and accessible to the shooter. She has wavered over how much additional protection Trump received—even following known threats from the mullahs in Iran. She also has snubbed the public and has yet to offer a clear explanation. There are countless unanswered questions and the Biden Administration owes the public transparency and accountability.
Nonetheless, her boss, Homeland Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, stated his unwavering support, “I have 100% confidence” in Director Cheatle. Mayorkas has overseen the worst border crisis in American history so success is not something familiar to the Secretary. Following one of the worst security failures in U.S. history, Cheatle, should be offered two choices: resign or be fired. And Congress must ensure that no stone is left unturned in getting to the truth and taking immediate corrective action.
The tragic incident is having profound political consequences. Clearly much of the public now has a different view of Trump. It’s hard to peddle the ridiculous and dangerous narrative that Trump is an “existential threat to democracy” while he is shot during a fun spirited rally seeking votes in the upcoming election. The former president’s somber tone and unifying message at the Republican National Convention also damaged the Democrats scare tactic strategy. Watching Trump’s grand-daughter, Kai, talk lovingly about “Grandpa” certainly sent the Democrats scrambling for a new issue to pitch.
Biden’s sad debate performance proved to the mainstream media that the sitting president is incapable of serving in the Oval Office— or any public office. The public has long recognized his growing senility as large majorities believed Biden was too old to serve another term well over a year ago. The credible media which covered the president honestly was accused by the White House and its media friends of using “cheap fakes,” despite countless valid videos showing a doddering, wandering elderly man. The presidential debate laid bare the lie, and it is legitimate to wonder who has actually been running the country for the last year?
Biden’s Covid diagnosis has further increased pressure on the president from the Democratic Party hierarchy to pass the torch. Time is running out for the Democratic establishment to ditch Biden. So much for sympathy for a Covid patient.
Finally, the law cases against Trump are largely falling apart. Each of the four cases have been either dismissed or delayed.
History is transpiring in its usual unpredictable ways. The 2024 presidential election story has not yet been completed but we are approaching the final chapters. Let’s hope and pray for no more political violence, and for a focus on the most meaningful issues to all Americans– peace and prosperity.
