Donald Trump’s pre-Independence Day Mount Rushmore speech on Friday was a predictable remake of hits from his same old ‘Us vs Them’ songbook.
Politics
Inside a packed amphitheater where social distancing measures and face masks were optional and encouraged to be ignored, ‘The Donald’ delivered remarks that were as dark and divisive as one would expect from a failed leader on the verge of a November eviction notice from The White House.
“Our nation is witnessing a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values and indoctrinate our children,” Trump warned the packed crowd of MAGA supporters. “Angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our founders, deface our most sacred memorials and unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities.”
“We will not be tyrannized, we will not be demeaned, and we will not be intimidated by bad, evil people.” – Donald J. Trump
Using his racist dog whistle to instigate fear that the big Black “boogeyman” would dismantle traditional white America unless he’s there to protect them, the Mount Rushmore speech was designed to paint Trump as the lone leader who would protect the Second Amendment, law enforcement, and America’s white heritage.
“I am here as your president to proclaim before the country, and before the world, this monument will never be desecrated. These heroes will never be defaced. Their legacy will never ever be destroyed their achievements will never be forgotten, and Mount Rushmore will stand forever. As an eternal tribute to our forefathers, and to our freedom,” Trump vowed.
The use of Mount Rushmore during a national celebration of independence was a strange backdrop for his separatist message.
“Most presidents in history have understood that when they appear at a national monument, it’s usually a moment to act as a unifying chief of state, not a partisan divider,” said presidential historian Michael Beschloss.
Donald Trump followed up his Mount Rushmore speech with a Saturday evening fireworks display on the National Mall. Washington, DC Mayor Muriel E. Bowser advised Trump against the gathering in light of the ongoing health crisis. However, since DC is not a state and has no governor, Trump was able to ignore the advisory and proceed as planned.
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It looks like Trump is going to try and play up to the racists and hope that can make him win. There is no other reason he should be doubling down like this.