To say both sides of the political spectrum lack nuance is a gross understatement. But it is true, and it’s never more obvious than when President Trump does something right.
Under President Trump’s direction this weekend, the A-Squadron of the Army’s Delta Force hunted down Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, a violent terrorist whose gross crimes include the rape and murder of several Western civilians. His death, at his own hands while being chased by … a dog … was an important blow against ISIS for which Trump deserves credit. He gave the green light for what was undoubtedly a risky operation in a stronghold area home to terrorists and foreign adversaries alike, as Tom Rogan notes.
But to even suggest the operation against Baghdadi was the right call is unthinkable, according to Trump’s opponents, who seem to want to criticize the White House more harshly than the slain ISIS leader.
Look no further than the outrage mob that has descended on FiveThirtyEight’s Nate Silver for suggesting the Left should give Trump this much.
It really amazing how many Libs can’t even permit Trump to have *one good day* (nobody will remember this stuff by Tuesday) after US forces kill perhaps the world’s most wanted terrorist.
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) October 27, 2019
As we online addicts like to say, Silver is being ratio-ed into oblivion for what seems like an obvious statement. Baghdadi’s apprehension, dead or alive, was a long-awaited triumph for which Trump is, in part, responsible. (Our men in uniform who carried out the attack and our intelligence community members who diligently pursued Baghdadi for four years are of course directly responsible, and for that they deserve our thanks.)
Many of the loudest voices railing against Trump have argued that because the president wasn’t in the line of fire bearing the full danger of the mission, he shouldn’t reap the benefits of its result. This is a fair point, but it’s hypocritical given many of these same voices gladly credited former President Barack Obama with Osama bin Laden’s death. An honest attempt at consistency would be nice.
What Trump’s critics seem not to understand is that they could just shut up for a moment — say nothing, let the moment pass rather than look like fools. Instead, they twist themselves into knots attempting to find ways to fault Trump, even arguing that Baghdadi’s death is a bad thing or that it harms American interests or even helps ISIS. This kind of political stubbornness — the inability to give credit where credit is due — helps no one. It will only solidify Trump’s position and his supporters’ belief that he’s a one-man team taking on the rest of the world.
Let Trump have his moment. We’ll all be better for it.
