If there is one thing we have learned over the years, it is this: take Donald Trump at his word. Ever since he uttered "bloodbath" in Ohio on Saturday, members of the former president's campaign team have been working overtime to clarify what was said.
No, Trump didn't mean rioting in the streets. Yes, he meant economic disaster. No, this is not the position of the Republican Party. Yes, it's Democratic spin at its worst.
Words matter Mr. Former President. Regardless whether your bloodbath comment was designed to be misinterpreted or not, the effect has been the same. Once again, you are topic #1 on cable news channels, political podcasts and even with old fashioned newspaper columnists. They also will matter now that you have called for Liz Cheney, a key member of the House Committee which investigated the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol, to be prosecuted.
Thankfully, The Donald's words aren't the only ones out there. Two things come to mind: First, the $50 million anti-Trump media campaign being underwritten by Republicans; and second, the growing number of former Trump administration officials, like Bill Barr, Mark Esper, John Kelly, Jim Mattis, Mark Milley, and Mike Pence, who recently have given their former boss a big thumbs down.
As I'm fond of saying, it's going to be a bumpy road between now and next November, so buckle up. Lots of things are going to be written and said, so keep your eyes and ears open. In the end, it's we voters who will decide which presidential candidate ends up in the White House not the spin doctors who clean up after words have been misspoken or deliberately designed to be misunderstood.
-DF