DV Journal

As Halloween approaches, some Trump supporters in the Philly suburbs have been getting tricks rather than treats in their mailboxes: threatening letters telling them not to vote for the former president.

“We are writing with a concern about the level of political violence in the country during this election year as well as the threats to our democracy and freedoms,” the letters read.

“Your candidate is a felon, rapist, desecrator, an immoral flawed man. He is the major reason violence us [sic]. By supporting him, you are declaring your public support for a disregard for the law, civil discourse, and unity. You are indicating your hatred for minorities, immigrants, foreigners, women, education [and] Taylor Swift.

“We know where you live,” the letter continues. “You are in the database. In the dead of a cold winter’s night, this year or next and beyond, there is no knowing what may happen. Your property, your family may be impacted, your cat may get shot. And more.

“Your vote for this guy is seen as treading on my rights,” the letter said. “You tread on me at your peril, mother***er. We look forward to visiting in the future.”

It’s signed: “Patriotic citizen and a true American.”

Thus far, people in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery Counties have received copies of the letter. A spokesman for the Trump campaign said some people in the Pittsburgh area have gotten letters, also.

Linda Kerns, an election integrity lawyer for the Republican National Committee, is handling complaints about the letter. She urges anyone who receives a threatening letter to contact protectthevote.com. That organization is keeping track of the letters.

If someone gets this letter, they should save it in a Ziplock bag to preserve it as evidence and contact their local police department, she said. If the letter came through the mail, they should contact the post office. Kerns was not certain if the nasty missive was sent to people with Trump signs in their yards, registered Republicans, or just randomly.

Whoever is sending the letters could be in big trouble.

Under Pennsylvania law, anyone who threatens or intimidates voters could be changed with a felony and face a $15,000 fine, up to seven years in prison, or both. Federal charges could also be brought, Kerns said.

“The political system in our great country contemplates robust and rigorous debate of ideas,” said Kerns. “Our First Amendment protects that precious freedom. Intimidation, threats, force, or violence towards voters has no place in our democracy.”

“We are cooperating with federal, state, and local authorities in their investigations and, hopefully, prosecutions of anyone who so blatantly and wrongfully interferes in our elections.”

Kerns said they’re contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office about the letters.

“We’re taking this very seriously,” she said.

Former President Donald Trump had reporters eating out of his hands–literally–as he gave out bags of french fries at a campaign event at a Feasterville McDonald’s restaurant, where he worked as a fry cook and manned the take-out window. Trump is fond of McDonald’s, even bringing food from the fast food joint onto Air Force One when he served as president.

Trump emphasized Sunday that he’s now worked at a McDonald’s  “for 15 minutes more than Kamala,” after his opponent Vice President Kamala Harris claimed she worked at the fast food franchise while in college.

“I’ll never forget this experience,” Trump said while talking to reporters through a drive-up window where he’d just handed out bags of food to six cars full of customers.

Jim, from Bucks County, who was in a Jeep with four others, said he was getting fries and chicken nuggets. He said he’d won a lottery to be one of the people served by Trump that day. Asked if he believes that Harris worked at McDonald’s, he said, “I don’t believe her.”

“It’s an amazing business. It’s an amazing country. And we’re going to make America greater than ever before,” Trump said.

“We’re going to bring jobs back to our country,” Trump added as reporters called out questions.  He said McDonald’s franchise restaurants employ a lot of people.

“Look how happy everybody is. They’re happy because they want hope. They need hope and that’s what we’re doing is, [we’re] going to give much more than hope.”

Asked if he’d accept the election results, he said, “Yeah, sure. If  it’s a fair election, always.”

When someone mentioned Israel, Trump said he’d spoken to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that morning and that it was good that Israel did not listen to the Biden-Harris administration’s advice.

“Israel is safer now,” he said.

Derek Giacomantonia owns the Feasterville McDonald’s, which was closed to the general public during Trump’s visit. “As a small, independent business owner, it is a fundamental value of my organization that we proudly open our doors to everyone who visits the Feasterville community. That’s why I accepted former President Trump’s request to observe the transformative working experience that one in eight Americans have had: a job at McDonald’s,” Giacomantonia said.

Pennsylvania McDonald’s franchises provide some 25,000 jobs, he added.

Trump’s supporters began to line Street Road hours before he was scheduled to get there, carrying signs and flags. As they waited, they shouted “U.S.A., Fight, fight, fight,” and “Trump.” Cars and trucks honked their horns.

A crowd waits for Donald Trump near the Feasterville, Pa. McDonald’s on Oct. 20, 2024

Sally Schlotter, of Feasterville, brought a bullhorn.

“It’s not just D.C. that’s messed up. Our local politicians are, as well. I love my country. Donald Trump brought things to light that were hidden for years,” she told DVJournal.

A nurse, Schlotter said she’s pleased that Robert Kennedy Jr. has joined the Trump team.

“Big pharma, big tech and big government are not for we the people,” said Schlotter.  “A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote for socialism and communism,” she said. “She wants Medicare for all. That’s socialized medicine.”

Tony Carmen, 88, a Vietnam-era Marine Corps veteran, was also on hand.

“I fought for this country,” said Carmen. “I always supported Trump.”

He even wrote and recorded a song about the former president called “Trouble.”

Trump, Harris, and their surrogates have made repeated trips to the Keystone State. The must-win battleground brings 19 electoral college delegates with it.

After his Oct. 20 foray to McDonald’s, Trump was slated to attend a roundtable at a Black barbershop in Philadelphia. On Monday, Oct. 21, the last day to register to vote in Pennsylvania, Harris is expected to visit Chester County.

Told that Sunday was Harris’ birthday, Trump wished her “happy birthday” and said he might send her flowers.

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(For an alternate point of view see, “Point: A Vote for Donald Trump is a Vote for Free Speech”)

Voting is already underway in many places nationwide, and Election Day is only weeks away. While many people have decided whether it’s voting for one candidate or perhaps even against another, some are still deciding whether they will vote.

No matter where you are, I want to share why voting for Vice President Kamala Harris is a great choice.

The overriding reason to vote for Harris is to continue restoring normalcy and protecting democracy. However, even if you put those important goals aside, Harris is clearly the best and most qualified choice.

Harris is knowledgeable. Despite the right-wing punditry questioning the depth of her policy agenda and expertise, Harris has repeatedly delved deep into current policy debates and the specifics of her policy proposals. Whether on the debate stage, at campaign rallies or in interviews, Harris shows the policy know-how necessary to be president.

She is accomplished. Having served the public in various roles for decades, Harris has helped pave the way for justice by prosecuting criminal activity as a district attorney and attorney general, ranging from violent crime to prescription drug price gouging.

As a senator, she sponsored legislation and championed the cause for women’s rights, workers’ rights and mental health. She artfully challenged unqualified presidential nominees. Despite being early in her Senate career, Harris used her expertise and passion to make a difference in an evenly divided chamber.

As vice president, Harris made numerous White House working groups on maternal health, reproductive rights and gun violence prevention topics.

Harris is also mindful. She focuses her work with others in mind. The primary job of being president is to always be thinking of others. Her compassionate approach to governing is a considerable and vital advantage she has over her opponent.

Harris is also accessible. Many Americans can find her life’s experience relatable. That familiarity makes for a natural companion to her compassion and mindfulness. This includes having what many call good “vibes.” That positive and approachable personality opens doors, hearts and minds. The next president will need this to move the nation forward.

The vice president is also lawful. It is crucial to have a president who knows the law and faithfully follows it. We have not always needed to make what seems like a reasonably basic distinction, but sadly, we do. Her experience as a district attorney and as the attorney general of California will help guide Harris in serving everyone and protecting our nation’s laws.

Last, Kamala Harris is authentic. The American people do not need to wonder who she is, her motivations or what she will do to lead. She shows us that with her attributes and experiences.

Of course, we can describe Harris’s qualifying attributes in many ways. Smart, kind, honest, passionate, experienced, approachable, professional and even presidential.

So, what should we be looking for in a president?

Someone who is Knowledgeable, Accomplished, Mindful, Accessible, Lawful, and Authentic. In short, KAMALA.

Pennsylvania is in play and may end up in the win column for former President Donald Trump.

When historians write the saga of why Vice President Kamala Harris failed in her presidential bid, they may attribute it to one fatal choice: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her VP pick.

When I watched Ohio Sen. JD Vance take apart Walz in the vice-presidential debate, I imagined the Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, sparring with Vance.

Shapiro would have held his own against Vance and perhaps scored a few points.

So, why didn’t Harris pick Shapiro, a slam-dunk choice who enjoys immense popularity in a state that she needs to win?

The first reason underlines why Harris does no real interviews and can’t answer basic questions about solutions to inflation and the illegal immigrant crisis. Shapiro would upstage her. He is much better on his feet and has a much more commanding speaking style, not to mention a commanding grasp of the issues. People would wonder why he is not at the top of the ticket.

The second reason he wasn’t chosen intersects with the anniversary of the Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel. Shapiro, who is Jewish, not only called out the horrors of the Oct. 7—horrific attacks by Hamas on Israelis—he pointed out the hatred and antisemitism on many college campuses protesting against Israel and told university officials to remove the encampments.

Shapiro forcefully and eloquently laid out the case against the haters.

Despite his political talents and the fact that he might have carried Pennsylvania for Harris, it seems clear that the far-left Democrats found his defense of Israel and Jewish college students abhorrent.

On the first anniversary of Oct. 7, the Anti-Defamation League released data indicating antisemitic attacks increased by 200 percent over the past year. And at least 1,200 of the 10,000 reported incidents occurred on college campuses.

I have found few, if any, messages from college and university presidents on the anniversary reminding people of the savagery of the original attacks and the fact that rape and torture were not acts of rogue outliers but the policy of Hamas when it massacred innocent Israelis.

The national office of The Council on American  Islamic Relations issued a statement that read, “ On the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks and the start of the genocide in Gaza, we reiterate our condemnation of such violence and demand that President Biden use American power to end this year-long disaster. It is long past time for President Biden to force Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a comprehensive ceasefire deal that ends Israel’s genocide in Gaza,” On the same day, Vice President Harris, in a “60 Minutes” interview, refused to say that President Netanyahu was an ally of the United States.

I visited Israel on a tour with 30 of my listeners, and I came away with a deep sense of Israel’s need for security. I support its need to continue to hunt down members of the terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

But stopping Israel from rooting out Hamas in Gaza is where many in the Democratic Party have landed, and each week we get further away from the memory of Oct. 7, the more they will push for a ceasefire.

Amanda Greenberg, writing at Broad  + Liberty, makes the point many try to disguise as DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). She writes, “According to believers of DEI, Jews are “White” and are, therefore, oppressors.”

This oppressor-colonizer narrative that’s now taught in many schools plays into the ongoing criticism of Israel and is used ultimately to mitigate the appalling Oct. 7 attacks.

So, as we move past the first anniversary of Oct. 7, I contend that Josh Shapiro was not chosen as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate because of bias. The Democrats will see the result of that bias when Trump wins Pennsylvania and is once again president of the United States.

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Both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris had their moments during their debate Tuesday evening. It could be argued that Harris got under Trump’s skin at times. When he called her a “Marxist,” Trump appeared to anger her.

But both sides were quick to claim victory.

“Good night, Kamala! Your campaign is over. I just stepped off the stage with Comrade Kamala Harris – and I wiped the floor with her,” Trump said in an email. “She tried to run away from her record. She thought she could deceive the entire country into believing she’s a moderate. But we exposed her for the dangerous liberal that she is.”

Harris-Walz campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon sent this message, “Tonight, Vice President Harris commanded the stage on every single issue that matters to the American people. Americans saw exactly what kind of president Kamala Harris will be: one who offers a New Way Forward for the country, who will be a president for all Americans, and who will turn the page once and for all on the darkness and division of Donald Trump. And she reminded the American people that she is the only candidate in this race ready to serve as our next commander-in-chief.”

More locally, Democrats and Republicans reacted to the debate.

Pat Poprik, Bucks County GOP chair, said, “In tonight’s debate President Trump was not only facing Kamala Harris, but also a clear bias from the ABC moderators. They never went back at her to force her to answer a question that she didn’t answer yet they did with him. I don’t see how anyone can vote for a candidate other than Donald Trump after watching this debate. Only one candidate will fix our economy, close our borders, strengthen our nation, and make life better for all Americans and that is President Trump.”

Charlotte Valyo, chair of the Chester County Democratic Committee said, “America just saw a rambling and confused lie-filled rant from, as Vice President Harris has said, the same old Trump playbook. The contrast presented by Kamala Harris was unmistakable. Her poise, policy details, and professionalism are what Pennsylvania and America need right now.  We’re not going back to that!”

“Vice President Kamala Harris dodged questions about the poor state of the economy, the cost of living, and her past statements on bans on fracking. Meanwhile, President Trump laid out a plan that would get our economy back on track for Pennsylvanians and protect Pennsylvania jobs. In the end, Vice President Harris refused to take responsibility for anything of the Biden-Harris administration and acted like she wasn’t an incumbent. In reality, she was called out as someone who’s done nothing to combat inflation and the cost of living,” said Michael Straw, RNC Delegate from PA-05 and chairman for the Media Borough Republican Committee.

Guy Ciarrocchi, a writer and Commonwealth Foundation senior fellow, said, “This debate began with the candidates tied in the polls and the nation divided. We likely leave this debate with the race still tied, but the nation, perhaps, even further divided. The overt, undeniable bias by the ABC moderators in criticizing President Trump, never criticizing or ‘fact checking’ Vice President Harris and posing questions to put him—not her—on the defensive will further divide the nation, sadly lowering trust in the legacy media.”

Dave McCormick, the Republican running for the Senate said on X, “Kamala Harris, along with Bob Casey, repeatedly vowed to ban fracking and “transition” Pennsylvania energy workers. Her denial just now is insulting and not believable to PA energy workers. Roll the tape:”

Democratic strategist TJ Rooney believes Harris was the clear winner.

“Her preparation was amazing – and it showed,” said Rooney. “She pushed every button and the former president reacted accordingly. When you’re angry and on your heels, you’re losing. Trump was on defense from the start. For dug in partisans, they saw what they wanted. Independent voters will notice a profound difference. And she continues to energize Democrats.”

Regarding whether Harris’ comments on fracking (she is for it now) and Israel (she said she supports the Jewish country but also mentioned a ceasefire so innocent Palestinian lives aren’t lost) would her hurt her with the Democratic base, Rooney said, “No. In truth, I believe her performance will continue to energize the base.  She stood toe-to-toe with him and owned him.”

Longtime Republican strategist Charlie Gerow said, “The most important moment of the debate was President Trump’s closing question. Asking where she has been for the last three and a half years is the question every American should be demanding an answer to. Kamala Harris spent the entire night trying to run away from her own positions. She never explained why she has changed her positions as she promised to do. Sadly the moderators never required her to do so.”

Asked about undecided voters, Gerow said, “Undecided voters didn’t get much from Kamala Harris so not likely that many came to her. President Trump looked and sounded stronger and more like a leader which reinforces the key distinction between the two. That will help.”

Vince Galko, a senior vice president at Mercury and GOP strategist, said  with undecided voters, Harris “did a good job dispelling the notion that she was some kind of leftist with a radical agenda for the time being. ”

“Vice President Harris was more prepared and polished,” said Galko. “The opinions will differ on if it came across as too polished. President Trump was President Trump. He spoke in a simple and relatable manner. It was clear that Trump’s strategy was too galvanize his base support while Harris attempted to appeal to undecideds while risking  the alienation of some in her base.”

And Jeff Jubelirer, vice president with Bellevue Communications, called the debate “unbelievably nasty, probably at this point amping up each candidate’s bases without changing many minds.”

“Trump is by no means helping himself, though, beyond his diehard supporters as he’s all over the place and meandering going off topic and going back to his tired lies about the 2020 election and only spewing his hateful and false rhetoric. He’s unable to talk about any policy specifics. He’s more interested in saluting dictators like Viktor Orban. How does this help him?”

Asked if Harris was playing ‘prevent defense,’ Jubelirer said, “A little, but she can’t afford to do that. She needs to make the 30 or so percent who don’t know enough about her comfortable enough to support her even if they don’t agree with her on everything but don’t want to support Trump.”

He added, “When every Trump apologist online is blaming the moderators for his performance you know he lost the debate. It’s gotten worse for Trump as it’s gone on. [Harris] hasn’t hurt herself as much. Could have been challenged more to directly answer some questions although same can be said for Trump. They just spin. Trump lost it. More than anyone winning it.

As far as undecided voters or the debate changing voters’  minds, Jubelirer said, “Maybe. Not so much changed their mind as got off the fence of being undecided. Again, could be very small number but that could be enough to sway the outcome.”

(For an alternate point of view, see: Point: Republican Transparency Trumps Democratic Party Bosses’ Machinations)

The 2024 Democratic United States presidential and vice presidential candidates are being called the most liberal in election history by some news media outlets. Voters must choose our current Vice President Kamala Harris or former 45th President Donald Trump.

Each side has to decide to make changes for our country. Voters across America do want a change for the better. For example, having less violent crime, excessive protests, bringing down inflation, and no wars are key issues. There’s concern about our joining wars in parts of the world, such as what is sadly still occurring in the Middle East.

Fixing our country’s culture as a whole is the common goal.

There is no side that is right or wrong in this election. Both Harris-Walz and Trump-Vance political party teams have to focus on a stronger, less problematic America for our future economic government.

When our presidential candidates hold rallies and campaign events and are interviewed on a national news program, it would be nice to see less of the going back and forth, such as practically insulting each other as opponents and competitors and the “I got you moment.”

It seems that sometimes it is more for clickbait and viral content, such as when the news media bring up the presidential candidates’ past on what policies and actions they passed through. It is not helpful to keep repeating their decision-making from a previous political perspective, especially if it is not going to happen for the current governmental system administration.

Understandably, a candidate wants to be entertaining to all voters, including all age groups and not just being wholly standard but in our current political environment that we are all in. However, it is best to stay completely focused on the pressing issues that America has.

The way some media news sets the narrative is by complaining about each candidate almost as if it is on a personal agenda, not steering towards only the problems that need addressing. According to the U.S. Department of State website, our main global policy issue concerns are listed as anti-corruption and transparency, arms control and nonproliferation, climate and environment, the climate crisis, combating drugs and crime, countering terrorism, cyber issues, economic prosperity and trade policy, energy, global health, global women’s issues, human rights and democracy, refugee and humanitarian assistance, human trafficking, the ocean and polar affairs, science, technology and innovation, treaties and international agreements.

The 18 listed policy issues should be the main focus.

Things in America must get better sorted for all citizens, excluding their economic and financial status. Talking about taxes is getting repetitive. In future debates, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Tim Walz, and JD Vance hopefully can make an effort to put their personal feelings about one another aside and keep it civil for us as voters.

Whoever is elected on Tuesday, Nov. 5, as our 47th president of the United States will bring a new, fresh change for the betterment of our country because we need it progressively and aggressively.

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Former President Trump’s Delaware Valley supporters reacted strongly to the assassination attempt against him at a rally in western Pennsylvania on Saturday.

The shooting, which wounded Trump in the ear, left Sarver resident Corey Comperatore, 50, dead and injured two others. The State Police said they were in stable condition on Sunday.

“President Biden and the Democratic Party characterized our former president as Hitler and an existential threat to our democracy. Such talk invites action to save our democracy by killing the threat. Such talk negates any talk of uniting our country,” said Cheltenham resident Myron Goldman.

“It’s absolutely terrifying that an innocent man was killed and the republican candidate for president was almost assassinated in Pennsylvania. I don’t think Republicans are safe here. The consistent lies from liberal media about Donald Trump need to end,” said Jamie Cohen Walker, a Chalfont resident.

Philadelphia resident Elliott Tessler said, “This will have far-ranging ramifications – all in Trump’s favor. The picture of a defiant, bloodied Trump with his fist raised will be iconic and a rallying point and a campaign winner. The incompetence (purposeful?) of the Secret Service was an embarrassment.”

“This was an act of war against we the people, and we have four more months to come. The inability of the local police and the Secret Service is disgusting and needs to be fully investigated. By (President) Biden asking for a ‘bullseye,’ President Trump has cemented his second term,” said Richard Pruett of Drexel Hill.

West Goshen resident Felice Oliver Fein said, “The life lost and injuries sustained by President Trump and his followers at the Butler rally are tragic. I pray for all the families involved and those in the audience who were undoubtedly traumatized.

“The hatred that some feel for a man who is trying to save this Constitutional Republic stems, in large part, from the biased media reporting on Donald Trump and the social media censorship of conservative thought. As a result, people don’t know the truth about most issues and emotions escalated to the point of violence. Although I am not an expert in security, I find it incredibly suspicious that those in charge of planning the Butler rally had such a small security perimeter with a clear line of sight to the podium.

“The former PepsiCo executive and current Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheatle, should resign.
Fein said. “Maybe Pepsi will take her back. Those in Congress who were calling for Donald Trump to lose his Secret Service security detail should also resign. Everyone knew that his life was in danger with the increased rhetoric, yet they wanted to put President Trump in harm’s way. Again, they should resign. In the corporate world, when someone can’t do the job or does it poorly, then firing is on the table. Here, the American public needs to fire the incompetent leaders in Washington D.C. by voting them out!”

Ellen Cox, leader of the Doylestown Republican Club, said she is “sickened and horrified by the attempted assassination of President Trump and appalled at the foul social media comments agreeing with it from people who claim ‘Hate Has No Home Here.’

“I strongly support Trump and oppose our opposition, but no one should be targeted like this, and I’m vehemently against any political violence. It is not how you win. It was ‘when,’ not ‘if,’ this was going to happen since violent rhetoric against Trump and his supporters has become the norm. And tragically, a man lost his life protecting his family yesterday at the Rally. Unreal.” Cox said.

Joy Schwartz, a Drexel Hill resident, said, “In the last several hours, Democrat leaders and journalists have repeated the mantra: ‘Theirs is absolutely no place for political violence anywhere in America!’ But they cannot bring themselves to utter Trump’s name or the word ‘assassination.’

“Since 2016, how many Democrat politicians, news outlets, and entertainers have repeatedly and viciously called for violence against President Trump and his followers.  In every Biden speech we hear dozens of variations of ‘Orange man bad!’” Schwartz added.

Newtown resident Fred D’Ascenzo said, “I had wondered and already had conversations that a last ditch effort would /could be an assassination attempt as all other efforts were failing. It didn’t help to see him depicted as Hitler,a rapist, a convicted felon, and an all around evil person by the left. I believe there was also a statement by Biden the he should be in the bullseye. My hope is that just maybe this event could bring down the temperature of both parties.”

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It is an old childhood truism that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” In the United States, where speech is protected with a constitutional and social ferocity like no other country in the world, this has always been the default position. We want strong, full-throated debates, and we don’t want to punish people for using language that offends.

But sometimes, language crosses the line. Sometimes, and even our own jurisprudence recognizes this, language can incite violence. That’s one of the exceptions to the almost absolute protection for free speech. And then we have those situations where language is used not so much to incite as to dehumanize. And if you are no longer human, you are no longer protected against inhumanity.

Take the Rwandan massacres. In 1994, the ruling Hutu government enlisted the aid of several radio stations, most notably Radio Television Mille Collines (RTMC), to spread propaganda among the illiterate Hutu population, urging them to look at their Tutsi neighbors as animals. RTMC exercised an immense amount of power and influence in the country. Concordia University has gathered the transcripts of some of those recordings, and they chill the blood. According to the preface to those transcriptions:

“From October 1993 to late 1994, RTLM was used by Hutu leaders to advance an extremist Hutu message and anti-Tutsi disinformation, spreading fear of a Tutsi genocide against Hutu, identifying specific Tutsi targets or areas where they could be found, and encouraging the progress of the genocide.”

We all know what happened. Starting in April 1994 and continuing for 100 days, over 800,000 people were murdered by the Interhamwe, the government forces. And those radio broadcasts helped gin up the anger against the Tutsis.

Of course, the genocide would have occurred without the radio transmissions. But the words used and disseminated by those in positions of authority were powerful weapons, turning people’s opinions against an innocent but hated ethnic minority. Words are cheap and plentiful, and the arsenal is easily replenished.

I write this not to compare what happened this weekend in Butler, Pa., to the Rwanda genocide. That would be a foolish use of my own words. Donald Trump is not dead, he survived an assassination attempt, and the killer was neutralized. We do not even yet know his motives, and it will likely be a while before we do. In the meantime, conspiracy theorists will weigh in with their tin foil hat opinions. I do not own any of those.

But I am also not insensitive to the fact that the political climate has become dangerously heated over the last eight years. When Donald Trump was elected back in 2016, women, in particular, acted as if they had been ordered to purchase burqas, leave school, and keep their wombs open for rental. Minority groups started screaming about the revocation of rights, and we were told that everyone in the Trump administration was one level down from Satan.

But it’s when he left office that things started to really ramp up, to the point that this past week alone, I counted at least 127 times on the combined networks of CNN, MSNBC, ABC, NBC and CBS that Trump was called “a threat to democracy,” or variations of that phrase. I started actually taking notes and writing down the times the words were mentioned after a roundtable on CNN used the terminology on every single broadcast between seven and midnight. It was a script, and they all used it.

When they call someone a “convicted felon” because they actually have been convicted, albeit under questionable circumstances, you can be annoyed at the lack of grace. Still, you can’t say it’s inaccurate. But when you paint someone as a dangerous man, a despot, someone who will destroy the country, force women to push out babies and then die on the delivery table, create concentration camps for immigrants and allow police to kill minorities at will, you create a very dangerous dynamic in society.

Most reasonable people won’t do anything. Most will just shake their heads and say, “Yeah, I hate the guy. What’s for dinner?”

But there are far too many people like the 20-year-old in Butler, Pa., who decided to go out in a blaze of glory targeting the “threat to democracy.” A troubled, diseased mind is susceptible to rhetoric and propaganda. It is political malpractice to give them the push they need.

Thank God Donald Trump survived. Now can everyone just shut up?

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A gunman tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in western Pennsylvania on Saturday evening, apparently grazing his ear and setting off a wave of reaction from Keystone State politicians.

At least one person attending the Butler, Pa. campaign rally was killed, as was the shooter. Trump posted on social media that he was OK.

“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick was at the rally preparing to go onstage when the shots were fired. He told Fox News the scene was “very chaotic” and estimated the crowd at 15,000 people.

“The crowd just sort of, you know, went to the ground, and the Secret Service came and very quickly tackled the president.”

McCormick was uncertain which direction the shots came from or whether there was more than one weapon.

“Sadly, someone behind me up in the bleachers was definitely wounded. And there was a lot of blood. The police came in and helped carry that person out of the stands so they could get the care they needed.”

“I was sitting to President Trump’s right as he was facing the crowd,” said McCormick, an Army combat veteran. “And I was in the front row. I felt like some of the shots came from the left side.”

“There were seven or eight shots,” he said.

Asked if Trump was lucky to be alive, McCormick said, “Yeah, absolutely. I think so.”

A photo released after the shooting showing a bullet narrowly missing Trump’s head appears to back up McCormick’s view.

“It was a very scary moment,” he added.

Pennsylvania’s Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, who’s been mentioned as a potential fill in if President Joe Biden drops out of the race, posted a statement on social media.

“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States. I have been briefed on the situation. Pennsylvania state police are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners.”

Many Pennsylvanians reacted with shock and concern.

State Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) said, “The resilience of America must overcome any gutless acts of violence. Praying for President Trump, his family, and any innocent victims and their families who may have been harmed by this senseless act. Thank you to the Secret Service, law enforcement, and emergency responders who assisted in keeping things safe and calm. God Bless America.”

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) said on X, “Praying for President Trump, his family, all in attendance at the rally, and our country. Political violence has no justification or any place in America—against anyone, for any reason, at any time. We will find this person/people, and we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

Also on X, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester) said on X, “I’m heartened to hear that it appears the former President is safe after today’s attack in PA. I want to thank the Secret Service for their quick and decisive actions. There is still a great deal that we don’t know, but what we all do know is that there is no place for violence.”

Sen. Bob Casey Jr. (D-Pa.), also on X, said, “I am monitoring the situation at President Trump’s rally in Butler, and I’ve reached out to the State Police to offer support. Political violence is never acceptable, and I am hoping former president Trump & all attendees are safe. Everyone in Butler should listen to law enforcement.”

David Winkler, the Republican running against Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Montgomery), said, “I pray for President Trump’s safety & wellbeing, & I also pray for America as a whole. We will rise up a stronger and more united than ever. My opponent, Madeleine Dean, is complicit with her divisive rhetoric. We need to elect leaders who will chill the divisions & unify our country.” Dean reposted Shapiro’s quote on X.

“This is a somber day for our nation. My prayers are with President Trump and any other families that have been affected. I’m thankful for the swift and heroic response of law enforcement who undoubtedly saved countless lives today,” said Neil Young, the Republican running against Houlahan.

Alfeia Goodwin said, “As a Republican Congressional Candidate for the 5th Congressional District and a Trump47 Team Captain, I am deeply disheartened and disturbed by the violence taken against President Trump this evening in Butler, Pennsylvania. President Trump is a fighter who fights the good fight. I am praying for the safety and strength of him and his family.”

Goodwin’s opponent, U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Delaware), had not released a statement by press time.

Ashley Ehasz, the Democrat who is running against Fitzpatrick, said on X, “As a veteran who has seen the impact of political violence, I unequivocally condemn today’s violence against former president Donald Trump. I call for those responsible to be held accountable swiftly and wish for a full recovery for those injured. Violence is never the answer.”

Trump’s campaign manager, Chris LaCivita, said on X, “Well, of course, they tried to keep him off the ballot, they tried to put him in jail, and now you see this.”

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Could a digital ad by a Democratic PAC be designed to trick Republican voters into not voting?

Republican Party Chairman Lawrence Tabas thinks so.  Tabas asked the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Al Schmidt, to investigate a recent ad. Tabas contends the ad weaponizes disinformation to suppress potential GOP voters from voting by mail.

“This is a serious crime, with very serious implications for our democracy,” Tabas wrote to Schmidt. “PA Values PAC executed this June 2024 ad…knowing fully that the targets of the ad may not vote at all in November, if not for the convenience of mail-in ballots.”

The ad used old clips of former President Donald Trump saying that he opposes mail-in ballots. However, Trump has changed his position and now advocates voting by mail.  At his recent rally in Philadelphia, Trump told his supporters to vote whether early, by mail, or in person.

And the Trump campaign threatened to sue the PAC over the misleading ad, which addresses  “MAGA patriots” and calls voting by mail “totally corrupt.”

A Federal Election Commission report showed the PAC spent $44,000 on a digital ad in June.

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), a staunch Trump supporter, sent Shapiro a letter about the ad.

““Of the hundreds of thousands of views, Pennsylvania Values’ ad has likely dissuaded some not to vote by mail, or worse, to not vote at all,” Meuser said. “Damage to election integrity and confidence in the election process has been done. Governor Shapiro’s office must condemn this attempt to suppress votes to help restore voter confidence that has been eroded. Election integrity is paramount, and I believe it can be achieved in Pennsylvania. We must work in a non-partisan manner to prevent the erosion of voter confidence in election outcomes.  A strong response from Governor Shapiro and Secretary Schmidt will show Pennsylvania citizens that this administration is committed to combating election law violations, regardless of party.”

Schmidt is also head of Pennsylvania’s “Election Threat Task Force,” launched by Governor Josh Shapiro in February of this year. According to a press release on the Department of State’s website, Shapiro said:”…the Election Threats Task Force will…combat misinformation, safeguard the rights of every citizen, and ensure this [November’s] election is safe, secure, free, and fair.”

The ad ran for four days in June, before it was removed by Google for “policy violation.” However, it had already  been seen by hundreds of thousands of viewers.

The ad’s use of “our president” and “stand with Trump,” according to Tabas, was intended to trick voters into believing that the ad, and its demands, emanated from Trump or authorized representatives. He reminded Schmidt that, under Section 3527, title 25, of the Pennsylvania Code, activity intended to influence unduly or overawe voters, prevent voters from voting or restrain their freedom of choice is not just an impediment to free and fair elections, but is also a felony.

“I am bringing this matter before you and imploring you to investigate and handle the matter in the thorough and determined manner pledged by the governor, when he launched the Task Force.”

PA Values PAC Treasurer Maria Galdo could not be reached for comment.