I don’t care what you think of his politics – ex- President Donald Trump I just struck one of the most iconic poses in US history.
His defiant salute with a raised fist is certainly enough to guarantee him re-election to the White House. Especially if the American people have to choose between a trembling incumbent and the man who stood up seconds after an assassination attempt and punched the air with blood running down his face.
It’s impossible to be sure what he was shouting at this stage, but it sounded like “Fight! To fight! Fight!” At a time when the Democratic Party has almost no fight left, the contrast is surprising.
Make no mistake, the image of a blood-stained Trump with one arm raised instantly takes its place alongside the greatest photos in American history.
It’s the 21st century equivalent of Muhammed Ali victorious over Sonny Liston in 1965, or Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the podium at the 1968 Olympics with their own fists raised above their heads in the black power salute. Nearly 80 years later, he will enter the pantheon with the VJ Day victory kiss in Times Square made famous by Life revised in 1945.
640827780
Tommie Smith (1st place) and John Carlos (3rd place) of the USA raise their fists in the Black Power Salute during the playing of the national anthem at the Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico.
NCAA Photos
After Biden’s debate failure, it may be too late to call this callous assassination attempt the turning point in the 2024 election, but it certainly seals the deal.
The idiot who shot the former president just gave him an unparalleled boost in his hopes of becoming the second president to regain the White House after being voted out.
Depending on what happens in Trump’s second term, the shot that may have been just an inch away from killing Trump could end up being one of the most important moments in American political history.
Get the Daily Beast’s biggest news and scandals delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now.
Stay informed and get unlimited access to the Daily Beast’s unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25572227/Process_Choice.png?w=300&resize=300,300&ssl=1 "Halide’s Process Zero feature captures photos without AI processing")
