Trump tells us that we have to re-elect him because he’s a strong man who will keep us safe in a dangerous world. Really? Let’s look at the record:
- THE VIRUS: 180,000 dead and counting. He belittled the problem, made wearing masks a culture war issue, demanded that states open up before they were ready, and concluded by saying “It is what it is.” As far as he’s concerned, the pandemic is over, and it’s time to move on.
- NATURAL DISASTERS: Trump doesn’t believe in climate change. Instead of providing California with help, he dismisses the wildfire problem as a simple matter of state and local land management. He threw paper towels to the desperate people of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Not exactly a stellar record.
- CRIME: Having proclaimed that “he alone” could reduce violent crime in this country, he has predictably done nothing. Murders are up this year in most large American cities. That isn’t really his fault, but he said it was on him, so let’s take him up on it.
- EXTERNAL THREATS: Iran is closer to getting a nuclear weapon thanks to his decision to withdraw from Obama’s agreement. His efforts to charm Kim have come to nothing. He has terminated, or is in the process of terminating. several arms control agreements with Russia; an arms race consequently looms. Our allies no longer support us, and don’t believe a word he says. The Chinese military threat has increased in the South China Sea.
- THE ECONOMY AND THE WELFARE STATE: The recession speaks for itself, and he has continued to try to dismantle Obamacare through legislative and legal means.
Doesn’t exactly make you feel safe, does it?