Comment by Chris Freind

Chris Friend

From health care to handguns, school choice to student loans, and crime to climate change, this column has covered a wide range of topics.

However, one topic was never mentioned: attempted assassinations of American politicians.

Until now.

America is not immune to such treasonous acts, but we have been largely spared from them for more than four decades.

Perhaps it is the fact that you are given a false sense of security – and then have to witness the immediate aftermath of an assassination – that makes everything feel so surreal.

What’s even more incredible is the fact that a simple turn of the head could mean the difference between life and death for a former president.

If there was ever a time for unity, it is now. That does not mean that one must now support Trump, on the contrary. This brazen attack has nothing to do with
It is about political action and about standing arm in arm in solidarity and sending the unmistakable message that we will never bow to violence.

The way I see it is that the attack on the former president was an attack on all of us.

Republican or Democrat? It doesn’t matter.

Liberal or conservative? Makes no difference.

Trump loyalist or Donald’s biggest critic? Irrelevant.

We can disagree about policies ad infinitum. A lively debate is healthy and an essential part of our democracy.

But when the red line is crossed, it is time for all sides to join forces and announce to the world – and to all other potential assassins – that American politicians will neither be silenced nor go into hiding.

Party conferences and election campaigns will continue and the citizens – we, the people – will not remain in the safety of our homes but will stand defiantly by our politicians every step of the way.

Americans have always overcome adversity, and this time is no different.

Sure, security will be beefed up and nerves will be frayed for a while, but the show will go on, not just because people living in fear is a victory for the villains, but because courage and unity are, above all, the lovable hallmarks of Americans.

Nevertheless, I find it unfortunate that the attempted assassination of a former president, current candidate and possible future commander-in-chief of the armed forces is being discussed in a political context – perhaps it is wishful thinking or just naive.

But since this is the reality, here are some observations.

I’ve heard some say this will help Donald Trump win in November, but I couldn’t disagree more.

Many voters have already made their decision and nothing will change their minds, not a criminal conviction, not a poor performance in a debate, and no, not even an assassination attempt.

For the great American middle that will decide this election, it is a good bet that their ultimate decision will be based on policy or personality.
Assassination in Pennsylvania.

Those who believe that Trump has the ball rolling after the debate and the attacks should remember 2016, when Hillary Clinton ended up losing a close race despite most people expecting her to win.

Four months is an eternity in politics, and countless things can happen during the campaign that can swing the outcome of the race one way or the other.

Excessive confidence can have a counterproductive effect, as it makes fans feel like they don’t need to expend as much energy if they believe victory is inevitable.

It is notable that President Joe Biden’s disputes with those calling for his resignation have faded into the background since the attack.

When Biden appeared before the nation to condemn the violence and call on both sides to limit their heated rhetoric, he seemed … presidential.

And when he assured the population that every possible means would be used to get to the bottom of the attack and that security measures would be tightened all around, he seemed to me like a much more determined commander in chief.

Biden is in a situation where every press conference, every rally, every statement – even every word – will be subject to scrutiny. If he does well, his candidacy will survive another day and increase the chances of him being nominated in November.

And it’s still a neck-and-neck race, especially considering how close the polls remain nationally and in the swing states.

One thing is certain, however: Biden and Trump will do their best, traveling across the country to sell their ideas to the American people, despite the ever-present threat to their security.

Both men serve their country and deserve our utmost respect for putting everything on the line every day.

In keeping with the indomitable spirit of America, we hope and pray that the United States will always be spared harm and that peace will return.

God bless America.

Chris Freind is an independent columnist and commentator whose column appears weekly. He can be reached at [email protected].