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Another attempted assassination?  What’s going on?

Another attempted assassination?  What’s going on?

For the second time in two months, there has been an assassination attempt on President Trump.  Most of the media types are calling it unprecedented – and a sign of the growing violence in America.

Before getting into this last attempt to kill Trump, we should engage in some perspective. 

Every time I heard one of the news hosts – or guests – talk about the unique nature of the two assassination attempts on Trump, I remember that those folks on the telly are script readers – not intellectual giants.

Trump is not the first President to suffer two attempted assassinations.  That dubious honor goes to President Jerry Ford.  He was shot at two times within 17 days. He also has the distinction of having women do the shooting.  (And they say Trump has a problem with women.)  

President Lincoln may hold the prize for the most assassination attempts.  Prior to a night at Ford’ s Theatre, there was a thwarted attempt in 1861 and a report that he was shot at at another time as he traveled back to Washington from an out of town retreat. 

Unfortunately, assassinating – or trying to assassinate presidents and presidential candidates – is part of the American culture.  Andrew Jackson’s life was spared when the assassin’s guns misfired. President Garfield was assassinated – as was President McKinley.  President Theodore Roosevelt was wounded.  His distant cousin Franklin Roosevelt dodged a bullet that hit and killed Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak standing next to him.  Guards thwarted an assassination attempt when two gunmen attempted to break into Blair House, where President Truman was living during the renovation of the White House. President Reagan was wounded in an assassination attempt.

In addition to actual “attempts,” there have been times when the FBI or Secret Service have disrupted apparent planned assassinations.   Trump had at least one of those, too.  The sad fact is that American presidents receive death threats on a regular basis.  The actual attempts are just the tip of the iceberg.

So … what about this latest attempt on Trump?

There are two significant takeaways.  First is the question of security.  The fact that the would-be shooter could position himself at a place where Trump was due to pass by suggests a failure on the part of the Secret Service.

It would have been more reassuring had they found the guy – who had been lying in wait for almost 12 hours – a lot sooner.  It can be reasonably argued that the Secret Service should have swept that area long before Trump was even on the first tee. Especially since the fence was just a few yards from where Trump would be slowly travelling to the 7th hole tee box.

Personally, I do not see it as a lapse in security comparable to what happened in Pennsylvania.  There was a bubble of security around Trump as he transversed the course — including agents well in advance of him.

They saw the shooter as they advanced and took immediate action before Trump was in sight of the potential assassin.  They fired at the shooter — forcing his retreat without an opportunity to fire a single shot.  They successfully neutralized the danger to Trump.

While the shooter’s location could have been better secured, the outcome showed that the Secret Service has redundancy in the protective procedures – and it was successful.

The second point is what motivated the would-be assassin.  That is very clear from the evidence.  The shooter was an extreme Trump hater, who believed the claims that the former President was a maniacal despot who would end American democracy.  If elected, Trump would end future elections.  Trump was frequently compared to Hitler – and even worse – by innumerable voices on the left – including high visibility political figures and social media influencers.

While President Biden, Vice President Harris and other prominent Democrats never called Trump a Hitler, they did reinforce those accusations by repeatedly saying Trump was an existential threat to democracy. Hillary Clinton said it the day after the thwarted assassination attempt.

The shooter seemed to believe that he was saving the American Republic from a heinous political monster.  In his online posting, he used exactly the same language coming from Democrat leaders and the left-wing news media.

Those who have read my past commentaries know that I have consistently debunked the false narratives of an insurrection … a potential coup … and the end of the Republic.  Those narratives are nothing less than campaign hyperbole – hyper hyperbole.  It is dangerous and reckless.

Democrats have long claimed that Trump’s provocative rhetoric would induce nutcases to take action BUT ( a very big BUT) they take no responsibility for the language that clearly motivated the would-be assassin to make a serious attempt on the life of Trump.

You cannot have it both ways.

Following the attempted assassination in Pennsylvania, there was talk of tamping down the harsh rhetoric.  That never happened.  In fact, the Trump hate rhetoric intensified – largely due to the fact that all the past rhetoric was not taking down his numbers enough.  Virtually the entire Harris campaign is based on a strategy of demonizing Trump since he holds the lead on the most critical issues of the economy: immigration and crime.

The through line can be drawn from the hateful and mendacious anti-Trump rhetoric and the mindset of the would-be shooter.  The motivation is most obvious with the latest would-be assassin because he has told us so.

Unfortunately, the Harris campaign has painted itself into a corner.  There is no way they can stop claiming that Trump is a threat to democracy and the future of a free Republic.  They have already invested too much into that bogus claim.  To now admit that it was all political BS would collapse the Harris campaign – and threaten a lot of down ballot democrats.

Whatever one thinks of Trump’s rhetoric, it is an entirely different matter — and a different discussion.  One does not cancel the other.

It will be interesting to see how Team Harris handles the issue in the wake of an attempted assassination, clearly motivated by their extreme rhetoric – confirmed by the writings of the potential assassin.

In terms of the election, I do not think the latest assassination attempt to move the needle very much, if at all.

So, there ‘tis.

About The Author

Larry Horist

So, there ‘tis… The opinions, perspectives and analyses of businessman, conservative writer and political strategist Larry Horist. Larry has an extensive background in economics and public policy. For more than 40 years, he ran his own Chicago based consulting firm. His clients included such conservative icons as Steve Forbes and Milton Friedman. He has served as a consultant to the Nixon White House and travelled the country as a spokesman for President Reagan’s economic reforms. Larry professional emphasis has been on civil rights and education. He was consultant to both the Chicago and the Detroit boards of education, the Educational Choice Foundation, the Chicago Teachers Academy and the Chicago Academy for the Performing Arts. Larry has testified as an expert witness before numerous legislative bodies, including the U. S. Congress, and has lectured at colleges and universities, including Harvard, Northwestern and DePaul. He served as Executive Director of the City Club of Chicago, where he led a successful two-year campaign to save the historic Chicago Theatre from the wrecking ball. Larry has been a guest on hundreds of public affairs talk shows, and hosted his own program, “Chicago In Sight,” on WIND radio. An award-winning debater, his insightful and sometimes controversial commentaries have appeared on the editorial pages of newspapers across the nation. He is praised by audiences for his style, substance and sense of humor. Larry retired from his consulting business to devote his time to writing. His books include a humorous look at collecting, “The Acrapulators’ Guide”, and a more serious history of the Democratic Party’s role in de facto institutional racism, “Who Put Blacks in That PLACE? -- The Long Sad History of the Democratic Party’s Oppression of Black Americans ... to This Day”. Larry currently lives in Boca Raton, Florida.

25 Comments

  1. Frank stetson

    Wait, is Joe actually attempting assassination humor? Does the concept “too soon“ strike a bell?

    I think the subtle joke in all this is the old “who’s on first,” comedy sketch starring Donald J Trump and Joe Biden/Harris. We can use Biden/Harris as being one entity, but we cannot do that for Trump given his vice president feels the guy was trying to assassinate him and they don’t hang out together anymore. I guess we could toss the new guy in and say Trump/Vance, but God only knows what that guy thinks and it certainly won’t help Trump.

    Now, hateful and insightful rhetoric is never good from either party, but “who’s on first,“ and who should come to the table 1st to tone downthe rhetoric. After all, Trump’s first comment after either of these assassinations is “fight, fight, fight.” is not specific and one could gather he’s just suggesting that we fight with someone over something. You can draw your own conclusions as to who to fight, but clearly Trump wants us to fight.

    Now, on the insurrection that you deny, let’s be simple and straight: there was a riot, it forced Congress to stop working, that’s the archetype definition for insurrection. Getting in the way of government business.

    Onto the potential of insightful, hateful, rhetoric, if you go to the court records on the over 1000 arrested, you will find a plethora of people facing perjury stating that they did what they did because Trump told them so. Now, as to whether that rises to the level of inciting a riot, or treason, most likely not. However, it’s on the court record as to what these people thought it meant, and what these people did , because of what they thought it meant. That’s a lot of people making the same mistake in comprehension. I would also add that Trump’s hateful, insightful, rhetoric of that day was dwarfed by the people he asked to come on stage and speak on his behalf. One guy called for war, that seems pretty insightful.

    And so Joe, I do agree that we should tone the rhetoric down and that both parties, the media and anyone else with a mouth can be involved. However, there is no way I would suggest that we stand down first. I know who’s on first and who should make the first move. Can you say the word “pivot.“ Can you say not bloody likely.

    Joe, as I’ve been saying, it will be a hot Summer, and it is, while Larry says summer is over, I say we have a ways of to go and it’s gonna get hotter. All the way to 1/7/2025.

    Trump’s rhetoric is the root cause of much of the division in the country today.

    Footnote: question for you, Joe cause I think you do live in Florida now, did this guy do anything illegal? Was he trespassing? Is an open carry allowed in Florida. Not being funny and I really don’t believe so, but I just wonder what the real law is down there on this.

    Reply
    • larry Horist

      Frank Stetson …as a keen observers, you seemed to have missed the “So, there ’tis” on this one. LOL In terms of the alleged insurrection, how many have been charged with that? Not Trump.

      Reply
      • frank stetson

        Larry Gilbertson, Joe Horist, Horst P. Horst, whatever….. yah, you gaslit me again…. Got Bruder too. Really worked since I now look for your close on Joe’s piece and vice-versa. You boys seem to mix your pieces a lot, crossing swords as it were, hmmmmm.

        As for the insurrection, as you know, the dictionary, and more important in this case, the legal definitions for insurrection and sedition are intertwined. As you know, insurrection, legally, deals more with the violence whereas sedition deals more with the planning. But both are intertwined on many of the same facets and I have no issue with using insurrection as to what happened, not how it happened, sedition, and the fact that folks are not charged at least as unwitting accomplices is a good choice IMO. When it comes to arrests and convictions, I think we have proved the point. Don’t do this. It was a terrible day that should not be repeated. Trump caused it, he is the cause, but he did not incite, he did not insurrect, not according to the law, and I am OK with that. Even if involved in the sedition, he’s bound to be insulated well and so, untouchable. And we are still arresting people, so the sedition convictions can always rise, perhaps insurrection added, but I doubt it. Since you further opened the tangent, I will update that one too in a bit. Always fun to get a headcount.

        However, as I have said over and over, this was an insurrection hidden inside a riot hidden inside a peaceful rally and subsequent protest at the Capitol. PERIOD. I will add it was proceeded by a seditious conspiracy of two groups named, so far, the OathKeepers and Proud Boys. As adjudicated in a court of law.

        So again, “Now, on the insurrection that you deny, let’s be simple and straight: there was a riot, it forced Congress to stop working, that’s the archetype definition for insurrection. Getting in the way of government business.”

        From Websters, “an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government.” Funny, many of the sentence examples include 1/6/2021; it’s immortalized as the example for insurrection in the Webster’s dictionary. Wow.

        Around a dozen convicted for seditious conspiracy. I don’t know how many more there might be. We are still arresting people. Every week. So, the fact that most of the arrested did not rise to the level of accomplice, and only a dozen convicted on seditious conspiracy, the fact that the day represents an insurrection seems as apt descriptions to me. But simply a riot? Not bloody likely unless you don’t want to know the truth.

        And the fact that many of the participants, on the stand, under threat of perjury, said the words of Donald J. Trump got them there and sent them to the Capitol to “fight, fight, fight,” speaks volumes. It’s fact, it’s documented, and the ever-litigious Trump has not sued for defamation. Thanks though, that sounds like a great Harris spot — the words of the arrested!

        Not to mention Trump’s three-hour plus of him watching the insurrection underway, munching burgers and blowing off requests for help, all that was missing was him playing the violin. Insurrection shrugged.

        So, no one charged with insurrection, you are right. A dozen convicted for seditious conspiracy, the planning side of insurrection. I am right. An insurrection hidden inside a riot, by design as well. This was their plan which also included a make-shift armory for use after the insurrection success. Perhaps bombs to be detonated off Capitol grounds, we still don’t know that connection. Given the results to stop the business of government —- INSURRECTION is an apt term IMO.

        Now, how many people in power has Trump threatened with violence? How many, like Pence, did he call for executions? Speaking as a Trump radical left thug who lives like vermin, his language seems like a lot like inciteful hate speak, the like of which was seen in Germany by you know who. Next, thanks for asking, I will go to the Trumped up charges for 1/6/2021

        Reply
        • frank stetson

          You are right, Trump is not facing insurrection, sedition or conspiracy charges for his actions or inaction on 1/6/2021.
          He is charged though and the indictment, according to NPR is summarized:

          “one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States applies to Trump’s repeated and widespread efforts to spread false claims about the November 2020 election while knowing they were not true and for allegedly attempting to illegally discount legitimate votes all with the goal of overturning the 2020 election, prosecutors claim in the indictment.

          one count of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding was brought due to the alleged organized planning by Trump and his allies to disrupt the electoral vote’s certification in January 2021.

          one count of obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding is tied to Trump and his co-conspirators’ alleged efforts after the November 2020 election until Jan. 7, 2021, to block the official certification proceeding in Congress.

          one count of conspiracy against rights refers to Trump and his co-conspirators alleged attempts to “oppress, threaten and intimidate” people in their right to vote in an election.”

          According to NPR, the last count is the interesting one in that: “The charge of “conspiracy against rights” goes back to the Civil War era. It was passed after the Civil War as a way to stop members of the Ku Klux Klan and other similar organizations from intimidating, harassing and outright terrorizing Black voters especially in the South. This law was part of the Enforcement Act, passed between 1868 and 1870, and “served as the basis for federal activism in prosecuting corruption of the franchise until most of them were repealed in the 1890s,” according to the Justice Department.
          “Conspiracy against rights” is one surviving piece of the Enforcement Act. Tobias noted that prosecutors used this charge especially during the Civil Rights era to prosecute those who intimidated and terrorized Black voters at that time as well. In this case, prosecutors claim Trump and his allies conspired to stop people from exercising “the right to vote, and to have one’s vote counted.””

          Not insurrection, not sedition, but pretty damned tasty charge.

          Reply
  2. Frank stetson

    Joe, answered my own question. He could’ve been legal with concealed carry, although I’m not sure that applies to long guns, but open carry is generally illegal in Florida still. Unless, he was taking the gun from car to field to go hunting. Don’t think that will fly in court.

    What is strange law. I’m always amazed by states that say it’s OK for you to hide your gun and carry it around, but if you dare to whip it out, you’re busted. Makes you wonder that if you actually use the gun, won’t you be arrested just for taking it out. The founding fathers were exactly the opposite. That is, it’s fine to carry your gun open, but walk around with one hidden in your pocket, and you are a scoundrel, no doubt looking to create mayhem in some deviant fashion.

    I think it would be interesting to look at a state by state comparison of carry loss. Now, that’s where I think we’ll find some humor.

    Reply
  3. Darren

    The real humor is what the Elite call Status Quo Democracy!
    Is it not obvious by now what the Elite idea of good government, is only good for them.
    ( We The People ) mean NOTHING to them!

    Reply
  4. Frank stetson

    Yeah Darren, we do it to you, we do you, we own you, you have no control, you will be assimilated. emasculated, humiliated and we will be elated that you do indeed me something to us. You can blow me 😉

    Is it really that bad and are we liberals really the reason for your downfall? I mean four years ago we were hiding from covid in the bunker thinking about drinking bleach as we responded Trumpian resulting in worse per capita deaths than 221 other nations with only a dozen nations killing more folks needlessly. Biden brought us out of that with a short year of inflation being the price.

    If it’s to be, it’s up to me. Your reality is yours. You can stand up or whine about playing the victim over your own life choices.

    My choices have resulted in increased accumulation of wealth and I have hit new highs under Presidents of both parties. Biden is the latest; never had more wealth and it’s not paper, mostly hard cash.

    What’s in your wallet is up to you. Mostly. I got no advantage over you by being a liberal. Liberal polices have delivered more wealth to me, but I did ok under Trump too even as his policies targeted the liberal NorthEast. But feel free to blame others, those other guys, for your surmised demise although I doubt social issues are your top lament. .

    Reply
  5. Americafirst

    I happen to know that there has been close to one hundred attempts on Trumps since he started to fun for office in 2016. One even when he supposedly lost the election of 2020 that was fatal. He was then rushed to Cheyenne Mountain to a med bed and is now back with us.

    Words said by anyone can be take at least two ways. It seems that anything Trump says is taken as criminal but not one Democrat is accused of that (for the most part). If Trump is so guilty of being a threat to our democracy, then why are millions of people going to his rallies?

    The word Democracy is used to death. Democrats use it nearly every time they speak about Trump or politics. Look up the word Democracy. It basically says, “for the people by the people’. If Trump is a threat to democracy, then why is he telling us he is giving the government back to the people? We actually have a Republic with democracy being under that.

    It is now coming out that there was not an insurrection by Trump. Many articles are now accusing Nancy Pelosi, her daughter and Chuck Shumer that was behind the insurrection. Some Capitol Police are now giving that information out as well even if some people on this site are so adamant that Trump is guilty that also makes me wonder if some of them here are guilty which brings up another point. Certain individuals on here use horrible rhetoric that makes me think they are helping to get Trump executed. They say damning things against Trump that I believe is to make us hate Trump and try to eliminate him. It’s so obvious now. I do not condone any kind of violence no matter who the people are. I personally have stopped trying to use “words” to get back at people, it only makes THEM be worse.

    As for providing any proof of my information here, it is all over the internet. One has only to read the articles to find them, but the information cannot be obtained if the articles are deliberately not being read.

    Reply
    • frank stetson

      “As for providing any proof of my information here, it is all over the internet.”

      as are things that can never be true.

      such as Trump shot, rushed to Cheyenne Mountain, bedded, bettered, and back. And Trump said nothing? Yeah, sure.

      people who say Trump is guilty are probably guilty —- got some indisputable logic there, not.

      “I personally have stopped trying to use “words” to get back at people, it only makes THEM be worse.” gee, haven’t noticed that yet :>) Or are you suggesting trying something else? Use your words, A, use your words.

      But the best: “If Trump is so guilty of being a threat to our democracy, then why are millions of people going to his rallies?” Isn’t that what they said about the Hitler rallies? There were good people on both sides though…….

      A: I can’t print lyrics here, free speech restriction by drunk moderator, but take a look at lyrics for Elephant Talk by King Crimson. I think you’ll like it, try it on youtube, it’s a hoot.

      Reply
  6. Darren

    Frank, I never lamented I am in down fall?
    As for everyone, things could be better.
    In fact they were 4 years ago.
    I can only wonder what lunacy the Democrat’s will put the President
    and the people of this country through
    once Trump is in the White House?
    I just wonder why the Chinees are keeping labs around the country with the worst
    diseases known to man with infected rats in them!
    Democrat funded I imagine!
    Democrats’ have to create KAYOS correct!
    Kayos creates power!

    Reply
    • Frank stetson

      No, you did not. I just summarized a number of your utterances and you sure sound down on your luck and very frustrated.

      I am doing better under Biden. So not everyone. I doubt I am alone.

      What Chinese labs in America? What worst disease? There was an illegal lab shuttered in 2023 with chinese connections but US owned I believe. Can’t find more. You got to jnow when you whip one of these factoids out. Someone will ask.

      Reply
      • kr

        Isaiah 32:5 The vile person shall no more be called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful.

        Good riddance in advance to all you vile left and enjoy the fire. Especially your potato. Jesus hates Joe Biden.

        Reply
  7. Robert Higginbotham

    The democrats are so afraid of Trump they are willing to sponsor his murder just keep him from becoming president again!!

    Reply
    • Frank stetson

      RH; was there a go-fund-me page?

      Reply
      • Joseph S. Bruder

        Yeah, Felon Trump created one for his campaign within minutes of the attempt!

        Reply
        • Americafirst

          JB. Nice nightmare you had!

          Reply
        • frank stetson

          Aha, so a fundraising event! Is that motive?

          Reply
          • frank stetson

            Trump should start up those gofund me’s after each mass shooting. More profitable and just as tasty.

  8. Joseph S. Bruder

    Gilbertson wants so badly to blame this on Harris/Walz/Biden rhetoric (even though Biden is no longer in the race, but Republicans don’t seem to realize it yet). This particular nutcase was originally a Felon Trump supporter, but became disillusioned with the Felon because of his handling of Ukraine. This assasisation attempt was about Felon Trump’s closeness to Russia and his claim to be able to call up Putin and end the war in Ukraine immediately.

    However, Felon Trump is Putin’s puppet, not the other way around. The only means Trump would have to end the war would be to withdraw all US support and end US sanctions on Russia (if Congress would let him). Apparently, this former Felon Trump supporter thought the possibility of Trump getting in office could doom millions of Ukrainians to death or ethnic cleansing under Putin. The would-be assassin had a noble cause, but a misguided way of accomplishing his goals. For that, you can blame Republican/NRA gun policies.

    Reply
    • Americafirst

      Joseph Bruder – YOU are a felon! Prove you are NOT!!!

      Reply
      • frank stetson

        A: when you call someone a name, it’s up to you to prove. You just can’t call them anything and say prove that your are not.

        A is a pedophile, druggy, car jacking, lesbian who cheats on taxes and tells Dominoes’ their pizza came late! Prove that you are NOT!!!

        As for Bruder, it’s not saying anything on the internet, so he’s not a felon. (AF logic)

        Reply
      • Joseph S. Bruder

        Felonies are a matter of public record. There is no public record of me being convicted of any felonies, therefore, I am not a felon. You’re welcomed to check the public record, however, you don’t have my real name, so good fucking luck with that.

        As far as Felon Trump is concerned, you have his full name and can check the public records in New York. However, it was a pretty public trial and well covered by the media. All the media, including FOX and Newsmax reported on Felon Trump’s guilty conviction. I would suggest that a search of media would be easier than a search of public records, but you’re welcomed to do either or both. I’ve never really tried to search public records, but I would bet it’s as easy as any other internet search. Or in any case, there are lots of online companies that will do the search for you for a fee – less than $100, chump change…

        On the other hand, you’re probably not smart enough to do a search like that, and would prefer to bask in your ignorance.

        Reply
      • larry Horist

        Americafirst … You really should not be calling Bruder a felon. That is just not right. It is not against the law or the Constitution to be ignorant, wrong and offensive. Folks like Bruder create their own justice in the court of public opinion.

        Reply
    • Joseph S. Bruder

      So, this was written by Larry… I apologize to Gibertson for smearing his name, although he undoubtedly believes the same stupid shit. However, Gilbertson IS responsible for the website, and as “editor” should make sure that the bylines match to the authors.

      As far as not seeing Horist’s hackneyed tagline at the bottom, I don’t always read through to the end… The bias and stupidity of the conclusions is usually apparent in the first paragraph or two…

      Reply
      • larry Horist

        Joseph S Bruder … At least you know — and admit — that your postings are nothing more than smears. Of course, most of us already knew that. That is why you have no credibility.

        Reply

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