President Trump’s tone of voice was quiet, his speech tempo measured, his rhetoric at times stern and then hopeful, and the content of his speech to the Arab countries was solid. Those expecting verbal flame throwing were disappointed. Those expecting detailed policy positions were also disappointed. The disappointment comes from those who don’t really like Trump, for what that’s worth.
There were a couple points the President made that are worth noting. These are in order of importance:
- Iran is the terrorist sponsor. President Trump unequivocally called out Iran which is a huge shift from giving them pallets of millions of taxpayer dollars.
- Hezbollah was designated a terrorist group. President Trump changed their designation – which is about time considering how the Obama administration pussy-footed around with Iran.
- Arab nations will sign a pledge to not fund terrorism. This seems largely symbolic and I’m skeptical, but it would be nice if this stopped.
- President Trump called for Muslim people to drive out terrorism – from their Mosques, homes, cities, land, and the earth. #DriveThemOut trended on Twitter.
- President Trump asked religious leaders to take a strong stand against terrorism.
- President Trump painted a picture of a young, vibrant, growing Middle East that focuses on innovation, architecture, and building civilization rather than destroying it. He was at his most powerful here.
A key quote: “Religious leaders must make this absolutely clear: If you choose the life of terror, your life will be empty, your life will be brief, your soul will be damned.”
Another: “Muslim majority countries must take the lead in combating radicalization.”
All in all, a solid speech. There was nothing too flashy.
I get the impression from the muted response on Twitter that Trump-critics are disappointed to not have more fodder for their reflexive anti-Trump hate. Alas, this speech was a disappointment on that score.
There’s also this: The President’s speech reminds everyone, again, that Donald Trump is president. When the media is frothing at the mouth with conspiracy theories, they can delude themselves that Trump’s end is nigh and he’s going to be out of office and their nightmare will end.
Sorry, folks, the Nightmare just gave a solid speech on foreign soil.
