Day: September 30, 2020
Violence won, debate lost, election at risk
Yesterday I wrote about the Trumpians’ inclination toward violence. Last night the President himself confirmed that inclination and threatened its use. Here is the relevant portion from the transcript:
Chris Wallace: (41:33)
You have repeatedly criticized the vice president for not specifically calling out Antifa and other left wing extremist groups. But are you willing tonight to condemn white supremacists and militia group and to say that they need to stand down and not add to the violence in a number of these cities as we saw in Kenosha and as we’ve seen in Portland.President Donald J. Trump: (41:57)
Sure, I’m will to do that.Chris Wallace: (41:59)
Are you prepared specifically to do it.President Donald J. Trump: (42:00)
I would say almost everything I see is from the left wing not from the right wing.Chris Wallace: (42:04)
But what are you saying?President Donald J. Trump: (42:06)
I’m willing to do anything. I want to see peace.Chris Wallace: (42:08)
Well, do it, sir.Vice President Joe Biden: (42:09)
Say it, do it say it.President Donald J. Trump: (42:10)
What do you want to call them? Give me a name, give me a name, go ahead who do you want me to condemn.Chris Wallace: (42:14)
White supremacist and right-wing militia.President Donald J. Trump: (42:18)
Proud Boys, stand back and stand by. But I’ll tell you what somebody’s got to do something about Antifa and the left because this is not a right wing problem this is a left wing.
This of course is a non-denunciation, since he not only asked them to stand back (not down) but also stand by, in case he needs them. Trump is clearly threatening violence if he loses this election, using right-wing armed groups.
Who are the Proud Boys? Here is the Southern Poverty Law Center’s description:
Their disavowals of bigotry are belied by their actions: rank-and-file Proud Boys and leaders regularly spout white nationalist memes and maintain affiliations with known extremists. They are known for anti-Muslim and misogynistic rhetoric. Proud Boys have appeared alongside other hate groups at extremist gatherings like the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville. Indeed, former Proud Boys member Jason Kessler helped to organize the event, which brought together Klansmen, antisemites, Southern racists, and militias. Kessler was only “expelled” from the group after the violence and near-universal condemnation of the Charlottesville rally-goers.
These are the racists Trump regards as “fine people.” He wants them ready for action.
Apart from this presidential endorsement of rightwing perpetrators of racist violence, there is little to be said about last night’s debate. It was less a verbal brawl than an inarticulate tangle. Chris Wallace, one of the few Fox News people who has maintained some shreds of dignity, was ineffective in separating the contenders. He needed control of their microphones. He didn’t have it.
No one should care much about the debate, but the risk to the election is serious. I expect to see armed right-wing groups trying to intimidate voters, bully election commissions, and even incite rioting. Trump has no intention of leaving office if there is the slightest doubt about the outcome. He will seek to prolong the process with court cases, all the while complaining that it is taking too long and suggesting ways in which his supporters can cause further delay and confusion.
There is only one remedy for this: an overwhelming majority for Biden. I’ve already voted. If you are a US citizen, I hope you have too.
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Stevenson’s army, September 30
After last night’s dispiriting display of socially-distanced mud wrestling, let’s turn to something completely different.
Two bipartisan congressional reports on important national security matters: a House panel on future defense and a task force report on arms control.
WSJ reports how China is taking control of various international organizations.
A retired Navy captain writes about Chinese actions in the Taiwan strait.
US Navy has moved ship to help Greece against Turkey.
SAIS profs Barno and Bensahel preview their new book about military adaptation.
Russian Duma goes remote because of Covid infections.
My SAIS colleague Charlie Stevenson distributes this almost daily news digest of foreign/defense/national security policy to “Stevenson’s army” via Googlegroups. I plan to republish here. To get Stevenson’s army by email, send a blank email (no subject or text in the body) to stevensons-army+subscribe@googlegroups.com. You’ll get an email confirming your join request. Click “Join This Group” and follow the instructions to join. Once you have joined, you can adjust your email delivery preferences (if you want every email or a digest of the emails).
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