July 17, 2024 • 1hr 13min
#812 - Mike Baker - Emergency Episode: Former CIA Agent On Trump Assassination Attempt
Modern Wisdom
Key Takeaways
- The assassination attempt on Trump represents a significant security and logistical failure, with breakdowns in standard protocols and communication
- The incident highlights contrasts between Trump and Biden in terms of perceived strength and competence, potentially impacting the election
- There are concerns about the quality and training of security personnel, including issues around diversity initiatives potentially compromising standards
- The heated political rhetoric on both sides may have contributed to an environment that enabled this attack
- Social media platforms like X (Twitter) played a crucial role in real-time information sharing during the event
- The selection of JD Vance as Trump's VP pick is seen as an interesting but potentially limited choice in terms of expanding Trump's voter base
- There are questions about whether this incident will impact Biden's decision to remain in the race, as it has temporarily shifted focus away from concerns about his cognitive abilities
- The international perception of this security breach could have implications for America's image abroad
- Moving forward, there needs to be a balance between transparency in the investigation and maintaining operational security
Introduction
In this emergency episode of Modern Wisdom, host Chris Williamson speaks with Mike Baker, a former CIA officer and security expert, about the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The conversation covers the security failures that led to the incident, its potential impact on the upcoming election, and broader implications for political discourse and national security.
Topics Discussed
Security Failure Analysis (00:55)
Mike Baker characterizes the incident as more of a logistical failure than an intelligence failure, pointing to breakdowns in standard security protocols. He notes:
- There was likely a series of mistakes or missteps that compounded, rather than a single point of failure
- Questions arise about why there wasn't someone positioned on a roof with a line of sight to the stage
- The Secret Service holds ultimate responsibility, even if local law enforcement was designated to control areas outside the immediate security zone
"Typically, when something happens like this, it's not one thing... It's a series of mistakes or missteps that compound, and then you end up with this goat rope that never should have happened," Baker explains.
Political Implications and Rhetoric (07:37)
The discussion touches on how heated political rhetoric may have contributed to an environment that enabled this attack:
- Both sides have engaged in extreme language and hyperbole, potentially inciting irrational individuals
- There's a need to dial back rhetoric and focus more on policy discussions
- The incident gives Trump a "victim card" he hasn't had before, potentially changing perceptions
Baker notes: "If you demonize somebody on either side and call them Hitler... you're probably inciting some irrational person who may not be able to process all that as hyperbole."
Trump's Response and Public Perception (31:02)
The conversation analyzes Trump's immediate reaction to the shooting and its potential impact on public perception:
- Trump's quick recovery and defiant gesture to the crowd is seen as impressive, regardless of one's political views
- This incident creates a stark contrast with concerns about Biden's physical and mental fitness
- The imagery of Trump's response could be powerful in shaping voter perceptions
"Like him or hate him... you have to think, good God, right? I mean, he, the fact that he stood up, had the wherewithal to kind of like face the crowd, you know, give them that indication that he was fine... that's those instincts, right? You can't teach that," Baker observes.
Security Personnel and Training Concerns (41:49)
Baker discusses potential issues with the quality and training of security personnel:
- Concerns about diversity initiatives potentially compromising security standards
- The need for consistent and rigorous training, which can be compromised by budget cuts
- Questions about the experience level of some personnel involved in the incident
"There's no room for DEI in the world of operations of security... You just simply choose the most qualified, capable people and if they can't cut it, then you move them out and you bring in somebody who's more capable and qualified," Baker states.
Impact on Biden's Campaign (44:28)
The discussion explores how this incident might affect Biden's decision to remain in the race:
- The event has temporarily shifted focus away from concerns about Biden's cognitive abilities
- It may buy Biden more time and make it harder for Democrats to push for his withdrawal
- However, the contrast between Trump's response and perceptions of Biden's fitness remains stark
Baker suggests: "I think it does buy him significant time. And I think him coming out and saying, you know, look, we need to be civil. We need to think about how we talk about each other. He's trying to be presidential."
JD Vance as Trump's VP Pick (46:16)
The conversation turns to Trump's selection of JD Vance as his running mate:
- Vance is seen as an interesting but potentially limited choice in terms of expanding Trump's voter base
- His lack of political experience is noted, though his background as a veteran is seen positively
- The choice may reflect a desire for someone Trump feels comfortable with rather than strategic electoral considerations
"I don't know that if what you were saying was, I want to pick a candidate who can really help me win over groups that I need to win. I don't know that JD Vance is that person because he's already got his base," Baker explains.
Role of Social Media and Information Sharing (28:51)
The discussion highlights the importance of social media, particularly X (Twitter), in disseminating real-time information during the event:
- X proved to be a crucial platform for immediate updates and information sharing
- Traditional media outlets were seen as less reliable or timely in their reporting
- The incident underscored the utility of certain social media platforms in crisis situations
"I think X has kind of proven its usefulness in this event over the weekend... I spent probably more time monitoring what was happening there than, I think, pretty much anything else," Baker notes.
International Perceptions and Implications (53:08)
Baker discusses how other countries might interpret this security breach:
- Potential adversaries may see this as a sign of vulnerability in U.S. security measures
- The incident could be viewed as another example of America's internal divisions and operational weaknesses
- Most world leaders offered standard condemnations of political violence, with muted responses from some nations
"I think that the jihadists are looking at and going, what? That's it? That's all we had to do is climb up on a d**n shed... So I think that they're looking at it from a security breakdown and thinking, oh, my God, maybe we've been overthinking this," Baker suggests.
Moving Forward: Investigations and Transparency (1:01:13)
The conversation concludes with thoughts on how to address the security failures moving forward:
- The need for a thorough and transparent investigation into what went wrong
- Balancing transparency with maintaining operational security
- The importance of holding leadership accountable rather than just blaming lower-level personnel
"They've got to be very clear about what those steps are, and they've got to be very clear about how they intend to not have it happen again. Right. And that's going to require some people taking responsibility, and that's where I think that can be a problem," Baker concludes.
Conclusion
This emergency episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, exploring its implications for national security, the upcoming election, and broader political discourse. Mike Baker's expertise offers valuable insights into the security failures that led to the incident and potential steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The conversation highlights the complex interplay between political rhetoric, security protocols, and public perception in shaping the current political landscape. As the 2024 election approaches, the repercussions of this event are likely to continue influencing campaign strategies, voter perceptions, and the overall tenor of political debate in the United States.