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It was one month ago, in the tiny town of Butler, Pa., that a would-be assassin’s bullet came less than an inch away from changing not just the 2024 presidential election, but the course of American history.
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The shocking shooting that left husband and father Corey Comperatore dead, and two more wounded remains a sharp and piercing image in the minds of many voters.
It feels as though decades of politics have taken place in these past 30 days, we have emerged in a very different situation, and if prelude is precursor the next 84 days shall not want for more surprises.
When historians look back at this improbable election cycle, they will need, along with a stiff drink, to consider if it was in fact the assassination attempt, not the debate disaster that finally forced Biden out.
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When Trump took the stage that day, Joe Biden was still defiantly insisting he was the Democrat’s nominee, but once, by the grace of God, the bullet merely grazed the ear of the former president, that was all set to change.
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Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is moved from the stage at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
At a restaurant in Toledo, I watched along with a small crowd as Trump stood, blood on his face, fist in the air, and chanted “Fight, fight, fight.” Since then, I have seen the image emblazoned on T-shirts all across the country. At the time, one of the guys watching said, “That’s it, it’s over.”
But not so fast.
When historians look back at this improbable election cycle, they will need, along with a stiff drink, to consider if it was in fact the assassination attempt, not the debate disaster that finally forced Biden out.
BUTLER RESIDENTS STILL FURIOUS ABOUT TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, SAY MORE THAN INCOMPETENCE TO BLAME
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Either way, just 8 days after Trump was shot, and following a successful Republican National Convention, the Democrats pulled the greatest bait and switch in the history of American politics, and suddenly, Trump was running against Vice President Kamala Harris.
For the liberal media it was Christmas morning, and their stockings were full of Harris puff pieces and plenty of excuses to forget all about the shooting in Butler.
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As the assassination attempt faded into the media’s rearview mirror, the whole tone of the Democrats changed from charges that Trump is Hitler, which may well have contributed to the attempted murder, to their current “campaign of joy.”
But this past weekend, when I talked to voters about the near miss, there was still a sense of wonder about it, the slight anxiety in the eyes as they said, as so many do, “we were that close to a total crisis.”
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While dodging a bullet is always a good thing, eventually you have to find and eliminate the source of the shooting, and I don’t mean Thomas Matthew Crooks, of whom we still know almost nothing, I mean a political environment of hatred and fear.
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In a nation where so many not only disagree with, but dislike each other, the specter of political violence haunts the election, especially as we look with a cautious eye towards next week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
The next three months will feature a steady, staccato stream of daily events that move the polling needles. Gaffes, scandals, new policies, debates, the usual circus in town, and yet, the assassination attempt still hangs above it all.
July 13, 2024, was a “where were you” kind of moment, like the killing of JFK or the moon landing, and while things like Tim Walz’s stolen valor or JD Vance’s cat lady comments may fade quickly from the public mind, the shooting of Trump will not.
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The nation changed one month ago, an innocence was lost, and everyone can feel it. The stakes of this election are no longer just about which side will win and get to set policies, but also whether we can peacefully coexist at all.
But one thing is certain, for millions of Americans stepping into ballot boxes in November, one image from this campaign season will outshine all others, and when they recall it they will be reminded of Trump’s appeal to fight, fight, fight.
I am amazed by the beauty and rich history of Maine. There is so much to be shared with all the people from away. The citizens of our special state work hard and know how to play hard in all the beautiful seasons: snow sports, camping, hiking, our immense wilderness, all of this must be shared with the world.
Think of Maine’s abundant natural resources, from blueberries, apples, potatoes, lobsters and wood products to the great shipbuilding legacy. Every Mainer, regardless of party affiliation, can agree on the things that set our state apart from others.
That’s why I was so dismayed that Maine was one of a few other states opting out of the Great American Fair, the event celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary on the National Mall.
As the only true political peers of Gov. Janet Mills, Sens. Collins and King and Reps. Pingree and Golden need to let Mills know that this was not a good thing to do to our state, our industries and our people.
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This arbitrary decision was shameful. There are times in life when we have to rise above the fray, take the high and right road and not let negative emotions drive our actions. This was a doable project if delegated to groups with interests on the line to plan, organize and secure funds for exhibition costs. What a missed opportunity for us here in Maine.
Lifeguards rescued a swimmer from the water at Houghton’s Pond in Milton, Massachusetts on Friday.
Massachusetts State Police confirmed they were called to the pond at 1 p.m. When they arrived, they found that lifeguards had pulled a swimmer from the water. The victim, who was conscious and alert, was taken to the hospital for further treatment.
This is the same place an 18-year-old swimmer died after he was pulled from the water last month.
Michael L. Poissant Jr., born in 1965, of Franklin, was arrested at 10:03 p.m. on June 3 on a driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent charge and a stop signs; yield signs violation after an incident or investigation on Merchants Way.
Alison Marie Lombard, born in 1978, of Concord, was arrested at 7:48 p.m. on June 2 on a criminal mischief charge and a bench warrant after an incident or investigation on Loudon Road.
Cathy J. Delisle, born in 1964, of Concord, was arrested at 8 a.m. on June 2 on criminal mischief, simple assault, and domestic violence-simple assault charges after an incident or investigation on Snow Pond Road.
Asende Alinoti, born in 1988, of Concord, was arrested at 9:09 p.m. on May 29 on criminal trespass and breach of bail charges after an incident or investigation at the Morning Star Condominiums on Loudon Road.
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