Donald Trump has told a rally in Michigan that he “took a bullet for democracy” when an attempt was made on his life last week.
Attended by thousands, it was Trump’s first rally with new running mate JD Vance - and first since he survived the assassination attempt.
He told a packed arena in Grand Rapids that Democrats have accused him of being “a threat to democracy” and, to huge applause, said he was ready to “take back the White House”.
Many of those at the event, in the battleground state of Michigan, told the BBC that the assassination attempt - which killed an audience member and wounded two others - would not stop them from showing support for the Republican presidential nominee.
Some said they came precisely because of the shooting.
No, John F. Kennedy took a bullet for democracy. You don’t even want democracy.
Trump’s intent is easy to judge because we’ve an adequate and reasonably consistent history of his actions.
The shooter’s intent is tougher because it’s clouded with judgement of his means. But, if Trump so obviously fights against democracy, it would seem a reasonable assumption that the shooter’s intent was the preservation of democracy. And, they didn’t just formulate, but carried out a plan that certainly would end in death in defense of democracy.
Regardless of judgement of the shooter’s means, what do you think of his intent?
I think if you kill Hitler, you get Chancellor Göring.
I agree that the means are misguided and in the example of why.
But, I asked a question about intent.
I’m not sure why their intent matters at this point. They didn’t manage to kill Trump like they apparently wanted to and they’re dead.
I’m also not sure why my personal speculation on their intent matters. I’m no one special.
I think many people’s choices don’t seem to represent their best interests or the best interests of society. And, I can’t and won’t force them to choose differently. Anything I can do begins with asking myself why they may be choosing as they are.
We engaged yesterday about propaganda. You’re a solid communicator in good faith. Browsing, I ran across your post today. I thought I’d throw something a little controversial at you to see what you make of it.
No need to be slippery if that’s what’s up. Just don’t engage. No biggie. The historians will sort it out later.