CHARLOTTE, N.C. (TNS) — Say what you will about Donald Trump. I have, too harshly I confess. Seeing him survive an assassin’s attempt on his life raises a warning flag against super-heated rhetoric. Words, like votes, have consequences.
The world was changed by Saturday’s attack on a presidential candidate, a former president. How will our leaders, on both sides, act going forward? They can promote their own ideas vigorously and call out what they think are flaws in the other party’s record and principles. They may sharpen differences in their rival world views that might win more votes — the good old American way.
Brutal personal attacks will get someone killed. Surges of retaliatory revenge by each side could follow until, as Mahatma Ghandi predicted, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.”
So far, both parties seem determined to blame the other for abuses, while “our side” has been respectful. Both are trying to cover up. Both have leaders who’ve been shot and attacked.
On NBC Monday, Biden admitted to Lester Holt it was wrong to call for putting Trump “in a bull’s eye” days before Saturday’s assassination attempt. He suggested it was better than saying “in the cross hairs.” Well, no, both bull’s eye and cross hairs are target devices for shooters with rifles.
Monday, Trump’s campaign repeated old smears against Biden, who Trump blames for his serial prosecutions and for crimes committed by immigrants. Border control should be debated vigorously by two parties with opposing views. The ad hominem attacks must stop.
There is no indication that Democrats’ personal attacks on Trump had much to do with whatever motivated a man who is registered Republican to take matters in his own hands with his dad’s AR-15. Investigators may find something, or they could be tracking another lone sociopath. So far, this has deterred most Republicans from blaming Democrats.
The Republican National Convention this week is the first chance to heal America. On Monday, beside the Republican strategy to deploy elected Republican speakers of color, as well as model and former reality TV personality Amber Rose and Teamsters International Union President Sean O’Brien, what mattered was Trump’s arrival and calm appearance in the family gallery.
His demeanor was not the cold posturing displayed on “The Apprentice.” He seemed to genuinely enjoy himself. He wore an white bandage on his ear, but was entitled to remind us that it was he who got shot this time.
As a young cavalry officer in India in 1898 Sir Winston Churchill wrote: “Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.” There’s something about surviving such a close call that can change a person’s perception of destiny — whether it’s a providential sign.
I first saw Trump 10 years ago when he came to Mooresville to reassure homeowners and golfers at The Point Golf Club, which he was about to add to his Trump National empire. He could not have been more gracious, even agreeing to add a grass tennis court and an island green if that’s what members wanted.
Ever since, I have never seen him smile genuinely at anything. Typically, he scowls or forces a half smile with tight lips. His eyes never participate. Monday, at the convention, he was obviously relaxed and untypically subdued. He smiled often, and this eyes were always happily engaged.
Can he ever become a kinder and gentler national leader? Let’s see how this convention makes its mark. There will be opportunity soon for Democrats, at their convention, to find the right balance for criticism of GOP policies and objectives. Let’s see how well they can do without demonizing each other.
Our love for America tells us we must heed the rising calls for unity. The response of Congress must embrace ways to bond across every aisle that separates. A nationwide rally for decency is needed. How we disagree over the direction, scope and pace of change must not degenerate into disrespect for fellow Americans. Which national party will rise to lead this renewal?
Say what you will about this. Let our prayer be, “God, Save America.”
(Jim Martin, a Republican, was North Carolina’s governor from 1985-93.)
