'He instantly recognised the political opportunity' - Freddy Gray on the Trump shooting

Former US President Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt overnight while speaking at a Republican rally in Pennsylvania. Freddy Gray speaks to The Spectator's economics editor Kate Andrews about what we know so far, and where the Presidential campaign goes from here.
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[@cwam1701e]

I don't think it was political calculation from DJT when he stood up and showed defiance - I think political journalists fall into the trap of seeing everything in that light and interpreting every action in that way. What I think we saw was character and personality; we revert to who we really are in these moments and what Trump is, is a fighter; it is his gut response to stand up defiantly as he did, not a political calculation.

[@pistonburner6448]

She's paid (100% certainly paid by a political party through middlemen) to spin everything in a certain way and to push certain narratives.

[@bellesblues]

@@cwam1701e he reminded me of Muhammad Ali in his expression.

[@manusha1349]

Absolutely 💯 true! ❤

[@zaphod22]

You start your paragraph with the worst three words.... I don' think.

[@robertcook2572]

Good point, well made. The media love to highlight negatives

[@jenniferlawrence2701]

Image-wise, the contrast between Trump and Biden could not be more stark at the moment.

[@daveisbrill]

@@markwheeler202 you have no f-in idea how biden would have reacted. None.

[@droptuned83]

​@@daveisbrill he wouldn't have noticed.

[@itsmyytaccount8498]

Unbelievably out of touch commentary from you two. Shameful

[@virgiliustancu9293]

This girl is not very smart.

[@teknical100]

Failure to understand exactly what has gone on to get here just shows the lack of insight from the Specttor.

[@christianwestling2019]

Is she actully complaining about his behaviour seconds after he was inches from dying?

[@roblancs]

She voted Biden. Hope that explains.

[@OLLYZOG]

Why is Katie Andrews even at the Spectator? She should bugger off to CNN

[@pistonburner6448]

Yes, she is nuts.

[@user-qc5mz8fc7x]

She’s very pretty

[@schofield4836]

No common sense or understanding that he was in shock and leading a rally

[@fbinformant]

Spectator is absolute trash. Why am I subscribed

[@ableasdale2000]

Kate has ideological blinders on.

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

Do you remember when the BBC defended Jo Brand over the Battery Acid Joke?

[@laravonstaden1838]

Yes, the BBC and left wing media and ultimately Jo Brand, should be ashamed of themselves. The trouble is, they never are. The new “Puritans” aka Liberals think they hold the higher moral ground and evidently they do not.

[@HerewardTheW]

I don't think the amount of chuckling and joking is appropriate. DJT has escaped with a graze, but someone has died and two more people are said to be in critical condition. A degree of reverence in tone is the least we can expect from our journalists when reporting on such events.

[@Yourdeadmeat69]

What do you think of Trump mocking Pelosi attack.

[@S3NTRY]

You misspelt smear merchants

[@fenrir7878]

@@HerewardTheW Journalism nowadays is about sensationalism.

[@Mellowyellow3]

@@S3NTRY what is wrong with you? Are you so used to finding fault with people that’s the first thought in your mind

[@S3NTRY]

@@Mellowyellow3 let me say it again. Smear merchants.

[@bonniejordan8192]

I don’t think we care who this person is voting for. She needs to get over herself.

[@ald3975]

DID HE "RECOGNIZE HIS OPPORTUNITY " Or you Just Don't Know What you're talking about. How many times have you been shot? ,, since you know what he's thinking?

[@patriciakimball8150]

Trump needed his shoes in order to walk to the car. What’s so strange about that? Even that you’re going to twist and criticize?

[@hkravvaritis]

Shame on you spectator. For that kind of commentary we can watch cnn.

[@OLLYZOG]

@@hkravvaritis sack Katie

[@simonsaphire]

She finds it hard to accept that you have to take a side and plant a flag in one camp or another. She also says 'there is no way I have or ever will vote for Trump'. We know where she's planting her flag then I guess.

[@dianawardrip5171]

Foolish

[@anthonywakeman9136]

Glad I ended my specy subscription. Hopefully many others are too.

[@OLLYZOG]

@@anthonywakeman9136 boycott spectator until they sack Katie

[@takamataday3146]

I thought that as a journalist you are supposed to appear impartial. I don’t want to know you’re a Democrat. It’s spoiled your writing for me.

[@caracalla6472]

Kate Andrews is not a Democrat; she's a never-Trump Republican. She has made that clear many times. Freddy Gray can't be called a Trump supporter, as he not American and can't vote, but has always been sympathetic to him.

[@celiaflinn7737]

Today’s “journalist” are really activists for their party.

[@NORAD-AFB]

The ignorance from these two is mind boggling.

[@krileayn]

'He instantly recognised the political opportunity'

[@jenniferlawrence2701]

I don't think it was meant as a criticism. I interpreted it as (perhaps a little clumsy) way of saying Trump's instincts serve him well, which is true.

[@aidan11162]

As with most UK based media. The bias is readily apparent

[@MrMortsnerd]

Kate Andrews reveals her complete misunderstanding of US politics at the 3:29 mark of this video. She seems to be wholly lacking in curiosity regarding the various crimes and misdemeanors of the Democratic Party since 2008 and the lack of voting integrity they have been responsible for. How she can say such nonsense is proof positive that journalists still play the role of gatekeepers for certain international elites, even at the slightly right of centre Spectator.

[@hattmarvey1989]

Does she know that most Democrates voted to allow non-citizens to vote in the U.S. elections, without ID?

[@allanhutton1123]

@@MrMortsnerd I thought they where left of centre now.

[@williamsnowden8186]

Right of centre? The Spectator, London liberal luvvies? Hardly, dear boy.

[@epictetusghost1369]

​@@allanhutton1123Uni party mouth piece.

[@srikantmantravadi]

@@MrMortsnerd please get the trump hater and nitwit

[@kinghenry100]

Kate andrews is so blue pilled

[@jdg9999]

Did you have to talk with Never Trumper neoliberal Kate?

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

Yeah right? They should have called you!

[@humbledandgrateful7411]

​@@NoLefTurnUnStoned. You're right👌

[@jesusjohnny8286]

His show of defiance described as political opportunity? You are despicable.

[@allanhutton1123]

Agree fully these guys are idiots.

[@jeperstone]

Boom! You said it for me

[@fergusmurphy8310]

He's making the point that Trump knew his defiance would be politically important. It's both, I think. The terms "fight, fight, fight" were political.

[@jamessmith1652]

You are right and shame on this video. What Trump did is simply similar to a hurt sportsman letting the cloud know he is safe. But with extra defiance on top, letting his people know we will not be beaten by anyone!

[@JimChap]

@@fergusmurphy8310 No, not at all, and the quote is used as the headline for this piece. The words "fight" were clearly emotional, instinctive, and a sign of defiance. If you want to instead just call that "political" then you are some kind of detached robot lacking in awareness and I don't know what to tell you. Terrible take. Awful. Good luck.

[@sionnach.1374]

She's awful

[@humbledandgrateful7411]

Wait... she's the economic contributor/editor and she won't vote for Trump? I... give up! I can't understand how they think.

[@S3NTRY]

This was pretty vile.

[@kimle848]

What I don't understand is why these reporters never had anything meaningful to say. Simply describing a scene that had been viewed a day ago is not reporting. Incompetence again.

[@swdierks]

I wonder if she was referring to Bill Clinton calling Bush illegitimately installed by the supreme court, or Hillary calling Trump illegitimate when she referred to 'election deniers'? I hope so.

[@Sasser2015]

Probably not, as neither of those were full on multi-year election denying movements involving hundreds (or thousands) of members of one of America's two major political parties.

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

Hillary needs to get a refund.😐

[@proofpositive11]

As a trauma trained professional, your assessment is cynical. Dazed people after a trauma can do some confusing things, like ask for their shoes. They are also in fight or flight mode which can manifest in reflexive heroic behaviors as you see in car wrecks or war. Knowing he is being attacked for his populist ideals, he very likely assumed this was also an attack on the populist, anti-marxist (and more) movement in America, so naturally a leader, not knowing if he is going to live or die, will encourage the movement to fight on. Wishing this video never popped up in my feed, but like a train wreck, couldn't look away. Just like after a death, just too soon. SMH

[@jonathanbowen3640]

He's almost certainly thought about what his response to something like this would be. He probably practiced "fight fight" in front of the mirror. He will have remembered this when the event happened and he had a few seconds to think whilst on the ground. He was in show mode. His whole being driven about how is seen from outside, by others. Most people like you will just think he's being badass though.

[@proofpositive11]

​@@jonathanbowen3640You may be right about the forethought. Have you ever considered ahead of time how you would respond in a stress or critical situation? I didn't say he was badass. I said he was confused and in fight or flight. You assume much.

[@jonathanbowen3640]

@@proofpositive11 Nope, I said "almost certainly". I may no assumption. I didn't say what he definitely thought. I didn't say I was certain. The guy is such a showman and entertainer and a PR genius I would be very very surprised if he didn't already have a strategy in mind that made his/this reaction almost inevitable. Of course I could be wrong. And I agree that he's probably high on adrenaline etc. Maybe this is just a natural reaction, like being angry or in shock, but for me I reckon this is at least a little bit "pre event trained". But we will never know. Obviously he would never admit to "I thought if I ever get into trouble I need to use the situation to look as baddass as possible".

[@proofpositive11]

​@@jonathanbowen3640He likely would not. However, any serious person in a position of leadership would concern themselves with a strong response in a crisis, including you, I hope. We could mince words all day. Thanks for your conciliatory efforts.

[@Johnny-sj9sj]

@@jonathanbowen3640Really. Well my having been in quite a few fight or flight situations, I strongly suspect that you would be one of those on their knees screaming for their mother. Nobody knows how they are going to react in such a situation, and for you to come up with those accusations is horribly cynical. And I don't even like Trump.

[@christopherwalker1304]

i remember when the spectator engaged in genuine unbiased journalism . ( sigh )

[@DS9TREK]

It was never unbiased. All of the UK print media have open biases it's why they're popular

[@rebeccaphilbrook1686]

Empty commentary

[@paulcotter821]

On the BBC I thought I heard one guest said Trump reacted like a football hooligan 😮.

[@Chris-xv2gm]

Desperate, desperate reporting.

[@pistonburner6448]

This is not reporting.

[@jae2686]

Freddy with his negative wishlist for what will happen, but then admits he’s probably wrong. Which is pretty much where he always is on Trump.

[@hattmarvey1989]

Political opportunity? Surely not.

[@JfK--OBJECTivE]

Idiotic comment.

[@SW18_103]

I usually love the spectator but it’s time for me to unsubscribe from both this KZbin channel and print delivery. Journalism is tiring, divisive, and above all just a platform for for people who think they’re educated to chat bollocks. Goodbye spectator.

[@TheJon2442]

Economics editor.... Like the COVID (non medically qualified) experts still pushing for the jabs...

[@ald3975]

Why did I subscribe? FAKE NEWS. Unsubed .😮 Tah Tah

[@GeorgiaMartin-ll9qg]

How funny they don’t know that Trump said he’s going to announce the VP pick at the convention !

[@SpeedbirdHeavy]

We are absolutely, definitely NOT all MAGA. Don't you dare speak for us all in that condescending way 😡

[@samuellowekey9271]

That's a downvote from me, or am I being oppurtunistic?

[@cian_dali]

You’re being a snowflake

[@5heffPaul]

EVERY pro-Trump comment I have made on this channel today is immediately removed! Wow, what an impartial channel 👏 🙄

[@andreasstavrinides6980]

That's a lie. Almost all of the comments here are pro-Trump.

[@billturner6564]

It's magical how comments the MSM don't agree with dissappear 😅

[@jenniferlawrence2701]

Click the button to show comments by "Newest First" rather than "Top Comments."

[@DS9TREK]

They aren't removed, but KZbin does hide potential spam from "Top Comments"

[@blackmushroom247]

She is desperate and flustered. She is in the 5 stages of grief process, struggling to stay "professional". Particularly amusing watching her try to explain "the reactions of normal americans" and within three seconds monologue into her own personal feelings and hopes for what a Democratic party response could be. Always knew there was something fishy going on with this woman. I've been casually watching some of the discussions posted to this channel by The Spectator for years, and this is the worst ive seen.

[@BrianKT]

Thoughts and prayers with poor Kate. We all know how disappointed she is.

[@dannyarcher6370]

"He instantly recognised the political opportunity." And?

[@WalterWild-uu1td]

I am a Maga Republican and I think these statements by The Spectator are on the whole rather balanced and good. Compared to statements made almost immediately after the attempt by some sources in the US, I think the statements made by Mr. Gray are welcome...he recognizes the dangers of the moment and possible outcome on the nation and the upcoming election.

[@jonsmith1162]

Incredibly poor take. Close to unsubscribing given this and some other equally bad output lately.

[@aroyaliota]

Agree. I’m not surprised by this response, though taken aback by the young journalists failure to read the room. Worse, The Spectator expects its subscribers to digest this tepid dishwater.

[@jae2686]

Kate Andrews anti Trumpist giving her opinion, why? And apologizing for saying something that irritated her fellow hateful leftists. You won’t make them happy. Ever.

[@sofakingjewish]

Donald Trump’s candidates in the 2022 midterms were not failures. He has way more wins than losses. Get a real person than her

[@PM-4564]

I'm a Trump supporter, I think this was a fair video, I think many people read the title and wrote a comment without watching the video.

[@srikantmantravadi]

You lie. You are not a Trump supporter

[@michelpeereboom4650]

I think, I don't believe you. Weasel.

[@Mike-br8zt]

Shame on you Kate Andrews.

[@curiositycloset2359]

Anyone else think it weird that the bbc had a reporter at some random, unimportant, rally?

[@michaeljames8410]

It's not weird at all so just say what you want to say. The BBC did it? worst kook theory yet.

[@wickedtribeART]

@@curiositycloset2359 I see what you’re getting at, but it’s definitely not unusual for a BBC journalist to be at such a rally; especially given the current election in the US and Biden’s gaffe heavy media appearances.

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

@@curiositycloset2359 No not at all

[@user-gx5nq3wb7w]

The BBC have reporters in all the main news worthy countries of the world . The " World Service " they produce is still worth tunning into for that reason

[@allanhutton1123]

@@curiositycloset2359 he not a BBC report, BBC don't have many of those, they are free lance that contract out any event to the BBC.

[@rupertp]

Kate Andrews making it about her as always

[@martinjohnson5498]

This probably gives Trump a freer hand in selecting a VP. What Republican will say “No” to him next this week?

[@antithetical]

I've been a Spectator reader for years. I'm actually shocked at how tone deaf these two come across. She almost sounds gleeful when she says 'a successful assassination attempt.'

[@beardfmly]

That conversation between Reagan and h the doctor did happen. I’ve heard a recording of it. Reagan says to the surgeon, “I hope you’re a Republican.” The surgeon responds “Mr. President, today we’re ALL Republicans.” and then you can hear laughter in the background.

[@billclarke3773]

Should journalists advertise their voting history and intensions? Shouldn't they simply write and speak objectively, informatively, interestingly and persuasively in the pursuit of casting light on current issues?

[@MidnightRambler]

This lady hates trump TDS😂

[@garyreid7865]

shameful

[@Slumbert]

Saw iconic photo on T shirts already at Conservative Vibes etc

[@jamie-we6yn]

Your response is shameful. Is there no-one at the Spectator with the stones to speak out. Sam Leith wrote a great piece earlier today which has clearly been taken down. Ffs

[@ravishingravi]

This lady looks clueless about US presidential elections and history of election. Spectator can do better

[@user-jn2gk4oy7h]

Appeasement creates weakness as is Biden. . Fearlessness creates strength as is Trump...Trump took a bullet for America and got up and said fight, fight, fight. Freddy who would you want to govern England Trump or Biden?..We see England is now governed by appeasers...I pray for America and Great Britain...What would Churchill do?

[@philipmilner9638]

It would appear that the security', for people in American politics is pathetic ex president Trump, Ronald Ragan, President Kenedy, Robert Kenedy, presidential candidate, George Wallace and proberly a lot more...

[@rsb8653]

Never look down on a camera

[@harml3ss28]

Yeah we don’t need to know that Kate would never vote for Trump - this really spoils the discussion. A Neil has never revealed his personal politics and has retained the highest integrity partly because of this discretion. Could the team take a look at the comments about the SS performance in this situation and the DEI revelations?

[@wadejnelson]

I am stunned by the obtuseness of this discussion, I am instinctively inclined to unsubscribe to all things Spectator, but appreciate Douglas Murray and Ben Domenech yet not Kate Andrews !

[@DaveEtchells]

Eye-opening to me to see just how much ideological viewpoints can color perceptions. It’s hard for me to understand how two seemingly intelligent people could have such warped views of reality. The levels of selective blindness, projection and mind-reading are frankly astonishing. I’d say it was a sad waste of my time, but OTOH I did at least gain some insight into political delusion.

[@paulprice8541]

Trump offends the refined sensibilities of the patrician Spectator. They inherited *their * gold water closets

[@oleolesen2672]

Rampant TDS.

[@LexTNeville]

We all dodged a bullet I think. Off topic, but Freddy, I have that exact same model and spec garden office - fantastic aren't they. Need to get some curios up on the wall my friend.

[@tomwirt319]

As a senior, senior, it always amuses me how young reporters so totally report on the infirmities of seniors. And with still all the l we gal ramifications of Trumos still to be legal stuff before the election, and without legal knowledge of our system, iyou seem ro be taling the "oh, hes old" verse of Us media.

[@lobstereleven4610]

Some say it’s political opportunism, others say it’s defiance and bravery. Your bias will determine how you view Trump’s reaction. I wonder what these talking head’s bias is. 🤔😂😂

[@thebackup2121]

Perhaps you could do what many people do now, which is read more than one newspaper, instead of just reading the one you write for

[@pads-zr9ln]

Yeah they rejected him in a free and fair election 😂

[@CorporateU-Tcensored]

Fair? Hardly...

[@DrGAshenden]

You actually thought his concern for his shoes being removed by the impact of the event was funny ?

[@Rb-fp7mw]

It's called leadership...we never see it these days so know wonder you are over analysing it.

[@kbdkbd99]

As you say, he may have immediately recognised the political opportunity. That I do not doubt. But let us also note that you also immediately noticed the rhetorical opportunity to create an unsympathetic narrative. Fortunately you're subscribers are waking up one by one.

[@andreas.9175]

4:28 Um, he did know. The secret service surrounding him were saying "shooter is down". Did you watch the video and do any prep/homework for any speaking on the topic that you might be doing? He was will to take the risk that there weren't multiple shooters.

[@jonimarsh9105]

He then raised his fist and said F U while all the Secret Service Agents were trying to protect him.

[@doricetimko5403]

That’s what I thought I lip read…

[@viveviveka2651]

You do not really know his motives. It is speculation and projection. I've heard a number of alternatives that seem just as plausible or more so.

[@AJ-hi9fd]

Tepid response, possibly guilt!

[@MarcusCorbett]

Why can't you guys say that the most important and succeeful independent candidate for the US Presidency RF Kennedy appealed to everybody to support Trump and hos family ar this moment. What is wrong with you!!!

[@scottclark3139]

“He instantly recognised the political opportunity” Is that your take. Is that what you are going with?

[@edsr164]

The evangelicals will be convinced God directly saved him

[@firefox2402]

This is a mean-spirited and petty dialgoue between these two, each trying to outdo the other in their scacrely concealed disdain for Trump. Shame on The Spectator. They've lost my subscription.

[@TheKiddy3]

I’m American and we are not all MAGa honestly this is a nauseating title and your reporter is so off putting

[@TheKiddy3]

But Kennedy gave the perfect response and was around the first to but you guys seem to know zilch about Kennedy or the people supporting him.. is it this reporter who is failing Spectator?

[@TheKiddy3]

God she is so fing off putting oh did I already say that?

[@amitk2923]

These failed state journos are laughing away... What a shame! The UN Security Council should manage the affairs of this failed and fragile state.

[@kimle848]

If you're already a staunch Biden supporter then this event won't change your mind, but for the people like me (who had left the democratic party because of their toxicity, vitriols, hypocrisies) who are on the fence, not quite subscribed to Trump team but now could likely be drawn over the line after this.

[@williamsnowden8186]

One is accustomed to the cynicism and callousness of journalists, but this narrative is Machiavellian, certainly not "kind."

[@TLouise1959]

Please for the love of God stop putting your British sensibilities onto Americans. We are very different.

[@Jimboken1]

Kate: "So yeah but no"

[@kongphooey7230]

SICK Spectator.

[@basilrichards4205]

Spectator plumbs the depths with your headline - you people are out of touch with the population at large

[@russellsharpe288]

So The Spectator has gone the same way as the Daily Telegraph and the Conservative Party. Goodbye.

[@jbagger331]

Or he was just really angry.

[@BK-uf6qr]

The author is just another clever but biased media figure. They know Trump has some sympathy they can overcome in the short term. So they create an article to basically say it’s ok, but make sure you come back. The Luntz story is all you need to know about the ulterior motivesz

[@malcolmlakin5265]

People really should STOP paying their licence fee and, of course, then cease watching terrestrial TV and BBC iplayer. It is the only way to make your point about the BBC. We ceased paying our fee, when it came up for renewal, earlier this year, after a number of years not watching the BBC etc. My wife and I felt the odd programme we might watch we could without; and this is the case. Unfortunately, under this government, we could be a long time before any changes are made to the fee, meanwhile, make the decision and take the action. Three months on, and we never give it a thought, other than the money we save can be spent on channels and programmes we want to watch.

[@jacquelinethomas4932]

I get a free license and I haven’t watched terrestrial television for years. I occasionally dip in and out, particularly when something like what happened to Donald Trump happens…it’s so interesting to watch the reaction of both sides of the political divide…If I didn’t get a free license, I certainly wouldn’t be paying for one…

[@DS9TREK]

​@@jacquelinethomas4932licence