President Trump attempted to clarify controversial remarks about Iran striking American cities during a Wednesday night rally in Texas for Senate candidate Ken Paxton. Earlier in the week in Nebraska, during a riff on fuel costs and the price of war, the president said, “Let them hit San Diego, let them hit Los Angeles.” At the Texas event he reframed the comment, saying the United States protects its cities and its country. At least a dozen protesters interrupted the speech.
California leaders responded quickly and sharply. Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria all condemned the remarks, with Gloria delivering the line that has since spread widely: “San Diego is not a prop. San Diego is not a target. San Diego is not your applause line.” The stakes are personal for many. San Diego hosts Naval Base San Diego and roughly 70,000 military personnel, while Los Angeles is the nation’s second most populous city and a major port hub.
Here on the Suncoast, plenty of us have neighbors, kids, and grandkids connected to military service, and plenty more have ties to California’s coastal communities. That’s why this story is resonating well beyond the rally stage. So we want to hear from you: does clarifying a controversial comment days later actually undo the damage? Tell us what you think.
