Today is a big moment in our country’s history and there have already been thousands of words written about it. I’m intimidated by the task of trying to add more to that ledger that is of any profit.
But I thought I’d outline and address some broad points that haven’t been emphasized enough in other outlets.
First, let’s address the argument that it’s unfair that Trump is being prosecuted as a former President and candidate running for office again. Also, that this New York indictment is totally political.
I find this one particularly rich, coming from a man whose campaign was partly based on “lock her up.”
But let’s be real: there have been political investigations for decades.
Hillary Clinton was investigated for three years about her emails (which eventually cost her the election with James Comey’s late announcement a mere 11 days before the election). She also (before that) faced five years of investigations regarding Benghazi, including six congressional investigations and a marathon, nearly 12-hour live hearing that she did under oath.
I’d say those were political, no?
Additionally, we’ve also investigated three other presidential candidates, as well as John Edwards.
If all of that isn’t enough, there are even current “political” investigations.
Biden is under investigation by a special counsel, Hunter Biden is under investigation, as well, and for all those on the Right who say (all the time), “Why did we only arrest Jan. 6 offenders and not Black Lives Matter protestors?,” let me remind you that 10,000 BLM protesters were arrested and more than 300 face federal charges, including for “attempted murder, assaulting a law enforcement officer, arson, burglary of a federally-licensed firearms dealer, damaging federal property, malicious destruction of property using fire or explosives, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, unlawful possession of a destructive device, inciting a riot, felony civil disorder, and others.”
Can we all just agree that if you break the law, you should face consequences, regardless of political party, your ideology, etc? And since so much of what we focus on in America involves politics, movements, and rights, then many of the lawful and legal investigations are going to appear political.
Secondly, the news media, the Right, and the Left won’t shut up about this indictment. This is “SUCH” a big deal for Trump, they all say.
Well, not really. Don’t get me wrong. It is in a way. And it’s dangerous enough by itself for Trump because of the number of charges. (And also because it’s state charges and even if Biden wanted to pardon Trump in an act of massive forgiveness for the sake of unity, he simply can’t in this case.)
But let’s be real: this isn’t even that big a deal for Trump.
He’s kind of been loving this indictment so far. After only getting a turnout of twelve to fifteen thousand at his “big” Waco rally (with folks heading home 30 mins after he arrived), this had him in the headlines again.
And it’s the perfect case to be outraged about. It’s a New York case from a long-time ago, involving a woman, so he can call it “political.” And he’s wasted no time exploiting these deficiencies.
He’s fundraised off it, raising $5 million to date. He’s pre-emptively announced it with almost glee (“I’ll be arrested on Tuesday). He’s used it to lock in the Republican Party and trounce whatever short-term hopes DeSantis had. He’s even posted his itinerary to boost the amount of coverage he’s getting.
No one can out-grievance Donald Trump.
But I don’t think he realizes that this case actually does matter, especially if he gets a gag order tomorrow.
Much worse for him, I don’t think he realizes that the other investigations will not be so easy to spin (even in the beginning).
And since the New York case is a state case, most believe the twin federal probes into the classified documents and the Jan. 6 case (led by Special Counsel Jack Smith) will actually go to trial more quickly.
Their charges and consequences will be much more severe, and we may be hardly talking about this New York case in two or three months. 🤷🏻♂️
But this is a somber and sad day.
A man — with no previous political experience — and no proper vetting that would have come by serving as a mayor, member of Congress, or governor, leaped to the top of a party, jettisoned its long-held values, and trashed its respected leaders.
Trump claimed the Republican Primary was rigged against him in 2016, after Ted Cruz won Colorado. He claimed the 2016 election was rigged against him -- until he won it -- and then he claimed it was still rigged because he lost the popular vote (even after he won it). Going back before that, he claimed in 2012 when Obama was re-elected that the election was a "total sham" and that the United States was "not a democracy.”
Sometimes, Donald Trump can be a little loose with the facts, so beware in the coming days and weeks.
But back to the story, after running off or backing down the remaining “leaders” in the GOP, this same man systematically weakened and undermined whatever party values remained. He even ran for re-election with no party platform.
Trump has mostly destroyed the Republican Party. (And he’s not done with it yet.) And he’s also practically guaranteed that much of his remaining life will be spent in court or behind bars. (And he will blame everyone but himself for all of this. See the earlier point: No one can out-grievance Donald Trump.)
I think deep down, Trump knows that he only has one chance: chaos and re-election in 2024.
Or, you could call it “death and destruction” and “retribution,” I suppose.
I just hope his supporters don’t fall for the enticement of violence, which Trump seems particularly effective at stirring up.
Many more families could be wrecked by ill-advised actions and getting sucked into the drama that Trump insists be around him at all times.
Do not despair in these coming days. The light of dawn is emerging, and nothing can stop light (or truth).
Don’t forget, if you’d like more regular doses of optimism regarding our political situation, make sure you sign up for email notifications. It’s free to do so. 👊❤️🙏
Love and peace,
Stan R. Mitchell
P.S. I plan to have an optimistic and hopeful tone to every post. Even if we take some punches or get knocked down in the days and weeks to come, the “better angels of our nature” must stand back up and keep moving forward.
P.P.S. If you enjoyed this post, I’ll bet you’d love the book below about President Obama.
excellent post! i pray for no violence, and i really hope as a country we can ensure no one is above the law.
Well done, Stan. Well done. All politics, policy, and character aside...I despise having Trump back on the main stage. Politics usually doesn't have that big of an effect on your daily life, but Trump sure can. He has the ability to stress my personal and professional relationships, and boy do I resent him for that.