Hey there, Reader,
Not that I’m one to predict doom and gloom, but, honestly, I can’t say I wouldn’t be shocked by what’s happening.
IRAN TARGETS TRUMP’S WEAKNESS
It seems Iran is acutely aware of what gets under Trump’s skin.
The IRGC, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, sent an open letter to Americans urging voters to express their dissatisfaction with Trump regarding the ongoing war in Iran at the polls. They urged, “Vote out the evil, deceitful, and violent politicians responsible for America’s situation. Put your trust in the wise, not the cunning. Make sure your representatives understand that the world is not the same.”
They’re clearly tuning into polls, just like Trump does. Polls, as many of us know, are somewhat of a sore spot for him.
In a twist that feels very much Trump-esque, they tried to give a new spin to their infamous slogan “death to America.”
They clarified, “Death to America does not denote any animosity towards the American people, who have also endured oppression. It’s a prayer aimed at the ruling elite in the White House responsible for the suffering. Isn’t it just for the oppressed to wish the demise of those who harm their families and loot their resources?”
“Oppression”? IRGC, you going a bit woke on us?
Their statement cleverly intertwines the rhetoric of oppression (appealing to the left) and a critique of Washington elites (aimed at the right).
Trump’s typical reaction mirrored what he has been saying for some time now: It’s all about either making a deal or facing dire consequences. Honestly, I kind of admire his relentless stance.
Here’s how the exchange went down with the media:
Q: “You call the Iranians crazy. How do you negotiate with crazy people?”
Trump: “Maybe you blow them up. We have to decide. We either blow them up or we make a deal. The time is approaching. It’s gonna end very soon.”
VERY SOON, Reader. How often have we encountered that statement?
Counting it up, he claimed on March 9 that the war would conclude “very soon.” Then on April 6, and again on June 8, he used the phrase a couple more times. On September 18, he simply dropped the “very” and went with “soon.” But by September 27-28, he was back to “very soon” multiple times. Then on September 30, we got the rare double dose: “you’ll see things happening very soon” and “It’s going to end very soon, come what may.”
While I’m all for winning wars and have the fortitude to keep fighting, I’m definitely not a doomsayer. Actually, I tend to see the glass as half full.
That said, I’m a realist about the upcoming election landscape. I think Trump may be too. This “very soon” might not arrive soon enough.
My colleague Amber Duke pointed out in today’s “Unfit to Print” that Tim Scott, the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, spent quite a bit of time discussing strategies for retaining the Senate, yet nobody in the room asked about the implications of the war in Iran.
So, I wouldn’t be shocked either way. Despite them being his Achilles heel, Trump surely knows that polls are often misleading.
But, how are they skewed this time?
WHAT I’M READING
Ken Paxton Critiques Trump’s Midterm Convention Move: ‘Everybody’s Numbers Dropped’
Not looking good, for sure.
EXCLUSIVE: Hegseth Launches New ‘Patriotic’ Officer Training Program With Select Universities
Reviving the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy, among others.
GOP Senator Claims Republicans Are Out Of Touch After Throwing Capitol Hill Birthday Bash For His Dog
I can’t say I’m shocked.
