How do you take the measure of a man?

There was a lot of bravery shown in those moments. The Secret Service agents who ran to cover Trump (as opposed to the people who failed to secure the roof), even the photographers rushing to Trump’s side to do their job to let us know what was going on, at great risk to themselves, the people who went to the aid of the injured in the midst of the chaos.

But let’s talk about the quickness of former President Donald Trump under fire. First, dropping to the ground to protect himself. Then when the Secret Service came in to cover him, he immediately realized people would be very worried and upset about him, so he got up, pushed the Secret Service a little to the side enough to let the people see him, and raised his fist in defiance to let everyone know he was okay, even with blood dripping from his ear and face, despite the danger. When he did that a roar went up from the crowd, they were so relieved he was okay. But what bravery and presence of mind that took.

Bravery and Presence of Mind. Can we say that of anyone in our current presidential administration? Can we say that, in general, of anyone who calls themselves a leader?

If this assassination attempt did nothing else—and there’s much that still needs to be unpacked—it defined Donald Trump as a true leader. Not just any leader, but the leader we need right now. Let’s address presence of mind, a matter which, in the case of President Joe Biden, is sorely in question. Despite having been shot and bleeding, Trump had the presence of mind to quickly assess that if he allowed the Secret Service to rush him away without some acknowledgment on the state of his person, the rally crowd would not only have been confused, but more frightened and discombobulated than they already were. So he stood up, raised his fist, and shouted, “Fight.” That singular act is all the huge crowd needed to not only be calmed, but to dispel their own fear.

That’s leadership:

Leaders also effectively communicate. It took Biden almost two hours after the assassination attempt to address the nation. As soon as Trump was able, he communicated on his Truth Social social media platform to once again calm the American people. Offering reassurance over fear, and offering thanks to law enforcement and first responders, as well as condolences to the victims and their families.

I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Once again, Trump presented clarity over confusion. Then just a few hours after Biden finally gave an anemic response to the assassination attempt, Trump took to social media to call for unity, encouraged us to tap into the better angels of our nature, and not allow evil to win.

Dare I say it? That’s Reaganesque.

If you want to watch, here it is