OPINION:
Naysayers, critics, political opponents and Democrats and most mainstream media talking heads predicted President Donald Trump’s Fourth of July speech would go over like a campaign rally, filled with self-congratulatory platform-type talk and grandiose — well, grandstanding.
They were wrong.
And even some of the normal naysayers are admitting as such.
“Trump made his critics look small during his ’Salute to America,’” ran one Washington Post headline, post-speech.
From The Hill: “Trump avoids politics — but not the rain — at ’Salute to America’ event.”
From CNN: “Trump’s July 4th speech heavy on history and military praise.”
As it should be.
From NPR: “Trump Asks Americans To ’Stay True To Our Cause’ in Speech Celebrating Military.”
As he should say. As he should appeal to all Americans.
From PBC NewsHour: “In July 4th speech, Trump explains why he thinks America is great,” a headline subtly saying, hey — the president stuck pretty much with traditional Independence Day celebratory tones.
Don’t agree?
The New York Daily News did: “Trump strikes uncharacteristically apolitical tone in July 4th speech,” the paper’s headline blared.
Democrats, in Iowa, couldn’t stomach the spectacle. Former Vice President Joe Biden, for instance, in the leadup to Trump’s speech, derided his soon-to-come remarks as a “stroke” to “his ego” than anything else.
He wondered aloud this, as CNN noted: “Will he speak to the example America must set to inspire the world?”
Well, in a word — yes.
“For Americans,” Trump said, “nothing is impossible.”
“Very soon,” Trump said, “we will plant the American flag on Mars.”
“We are one people chasing one dream and one magnificent destiny,” Trump said. “We all share the same heroes, the same home, the same heart, and we are all made by the same almighty God.”
Only a partisan hack, only a political deceiver, could find cause to criticize, mock or condemn such rhetoric.
If that’s not inspirational, what is.
• Cheryl Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com or on Twitter, @ckchumley.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.