Trump made Independence Day a standout
Kudos to President Trump for a pretty remarkable and definitely memorable July Fourth tribute as he continues to put his imprint on the presidency and subtly — or not so — make his case for re-election in 2020.
Oops, did I say that? This was not at all supposed to be a “politicized event.” Give me a break! With the exception of the tanks (overkill, and perhaps a subliminal throwback to his bromance with despot North Korean Kim Jong Un, who always starts his power parades with literal big guns), it was a stellar production.
I, together with probably millions of others, came away feeling very much as one of the attendees said on TV — that the president’s “heart” was definitely in the right place. But so was his head. I give him credit for deftly camouflaging his political intentions using the cover of a patriotic celebration. Smart move. Not even the rain could dampen the widespread enthusiasm for the Trump celebration.
Thank you to Congress for staying on top of the situation and doing a little “check and balance” with our sometimes over-the-top, reality show president. Unfortunately, your due diligence didn’t seem to curb his enthusiasm nor his execution.
Trump’s shrewdly played tactics also put the Democratic presidential contenders in awkward political positions — their responses to his plans for a big July 4 blowout came across to more than a few as trite, and a little mean-spirited to boot.
The media blowback about the negatives that could result from “politicizing” the military also fell flat. After all, how do you berate a sitting president for wanting to demonstrate his patriotism by saluting the power of our military? His reasoning, and strategy, were pretty much unassailable.
The July Fourth Trump Show was definitely a “feel good moment” for the nation by a president who has caused and borne the brunt of his fair share of turmoil. And the hits will keep coming.
The tribute to the armed forces reminded me, as they no doubt did others, of the sacrifices of our fighting men and women. I felt energized knowing we are the greatest military power on Earth. Why not honor our military every chance we can get? We don’t do enough, for all they do for us.
In the end, it will not matter how many folks showed up for the Trump rally — I mean, July Fourth celebration. There will surely be the expected “back and forths” over turnout and costs. But the bottom line is that Trump, the ultimate showman, deftly used the military to his political advantage — flying under the radar of political propriety. Of course, he gave his donors and top Republicans front-row tickets. One always takes care of those who take care of them — that’s Politics 101. Nothing wrong with that, especially when in the throes of running for re-election.
Look for the president to build on the momentum he created celebrating our nation’s birthday on his next campaign road trip. Good show!
Joyce Ferriabough Bolling is a media and political strategist and communications specialist.