The Lowest of the Low
In the words of Emily Litella (Saturday Night Live, circa 1975), "It's always something!" Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump just can't help himself. It's one faux pas after another, and his staff (primarily his family) can't keep him from opening his mouth and going "off script." Poor Donald. "He was born with a silver foot in his mouth." (Former Texas Governor Ann Richards, circa 1988).
Over the past year or more, we have heard Trump insult one group after another. He has also made numerous inappropriate comments about individuals and groups that evoke anger, leave us baffled, or simply make our skin crawl. However, the lowest of the low is this week's remarks, implying that gun owners could solve the 2nd Amendment dispute by assassinating Hillary Clinton. No presidential candidate has every sunk to this level.
On August 9, 2016, while talking to a group of miners in Abingdon, Virginia, Donald Trump said, "By the way, and if she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don't know. But - but I'll tell you what. That will be a horrible day. If Hillary gets to put her judges - right now, we're tied." Videotapes show shocked audience members as Trump tried to back his way out.
Trump's campaign staff now tells us he was just encouraging people to vote. However, Trump's remarks clearly referred to when Hillary Clinton would already be president. Some Trump supporters claim he was only joking, but we are not amused. While his staff was trying to spin his remarks, Trump was scolding the press, telling them that the bad publicity was all their fault and that, in his opinion, his remarks only helped his campaign.
Unfortunately for Trump, Democrats are not the only people who consider his remarks un-presidential. In fact, a great many Republican officials and donors met today with Republican National Committee Chair Reince Priebus, demanding that the RNC cut off funding for the Trump campaign and use the funds to save Senate and House races. If Priebus agrees to these demands, it will be a very bad day for Donald Trump. He may have to write a new book (with a ghost writer, of course) about Donald "and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day."
The Best of the Best
As Trump concentrates on the negative, Democrats are concentrating on what makes America great. We are proud of our diversity, and on August 20, 2016, we are going to show how proud we are: The Dallas County Democratic Party and the new Dallas Chapter of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats are co-sponsoring a Unity Rally from 10am to noon in the Cottrell Student Union at Paul Quinn College, located at 3837 Simpson Stuart Road, Dallas 75241. Senator Royce West will be the keynote speaker and Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell will serve as the emcee. The event will be co-hosted by numerous Democratic clubs and organizations.
Finishing the Race
The Olympics have been a good distraction from Donald Trump. If nothing else, he has not been able to get as much publicity since the press is occupied with the coverage of the Olympics. We celebrate as a nation the incredible successes of our Olympic athletes. So far, USA is leading the pack with 43 medals: 16 gold; 12 silver; and 15 bronze. We can learn from these athletes as they focus on the end goal, and they simply don't give up.
Throughout the movie "The Agony and the Ecstasy," the Pope would ask Michelangelo when the mural would be finished, and Michelangelo would reply, "When I am finished." Likewise, as Democrats, our job is not done. There is much to do, and we need your help. Here are specific ways you can help:
