The Convincing Phone Call from Donald Trump That Made Me Believe He’s Returning to the White House
Donald Trump gave me a call late on Saturday night.
“Is that my man, Piers? It’s your favorite president calling…”
I chuckled at his usual confident assertion.
There are a few presidents I admire, like Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and Nelson Mandela, but Trump is the one I’ve known the longest and best.
He saw me on Fox News in New York talking about his recent rally appearance after the assassination attempt last weekend.
I praised his courage and determination after the shooting, and how he was back on stage just a week later, giving a stellar performance like a rock star.
“He’s the Mick Jagger of politics!” I exclaimed.
And it’s true: both Trump and Jagger, nearing their 80s, exude energy and enthusiasm for their performances, delighting their fans with their greatest hits.
For Jagger, it’s songs like “Satisfaction” and “Sympathy For The Devil.”
For Trump, it’s been about Biden-bashing, election fraud claims, and promises to make America great again.
But now, he has a new hit in his repertoire: “I took a bullet for democracy!” which was received with thunderous applause when he revealed it.
I believe this new revelation will boost his chances of winning the November election, especially now that his opponent, Joe Biden, has withdrawn from the race.
“How are you?” I inquired.
“I’m great,” he replied, “considering I got shot last week!”
He chuckled, but the reality of the situation wasn’t lost on him.
Trump’s doctor disclosed that the bullet that grazed his ear was just a quarter inch away from being fatal.
“I’m relieved you made it through,” I expressed sincerely.
Unlike those who despise him but feigned sympathy, I truly meant it.
Despite our disagreements, like when he abruptly ended our last interview over election claims, Trump has been a reliable friend since I won his Celebrity Apprentice show in 2008.
“Me too!” he chuckled. “Those bullets were close, they sounded loud. The shooter was skilled; apparently, he was a hunter. Luckily, I moved at the right moment. It was close, but I guess I had some luck on my side. Ears bleed a lot, you know?”
“Weren’t you nervous about returning to a large crowd so soon after the incident?” I asked.
“I didn’t let myself dwell on that,” he responded. “I had to get back out there.”
However you feel about Trump, his response to the shooting has been remarkably brave.
Immediately after being hit, he stood up defiantly, chanting “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
And on Saturday night, he stood alone on stage for two hours.
Not many would have taken that risk right after a near-assassination.
“How did the shooter get so close to you?” I inquired.
“I don’t know,” he sighed. “I’m surprised the Secret Service didn’t delay my appearance to assess the situation. People in the crowd mentioned seeing the shooter, so I’m not sure what happened.”
He then shifted focus to the recent events that paled in comparison to the shooting and Biden’s exit.
But these events contributed to Trump’s surge in the polls.
“What did you think of the debate?”
“It was a disaster for Biden,” I commented. “Embarrassing, really. My daughter even asked if he was asleep!”
Trump burst into laughter and mocked “bad man Joe” and his mental decline.
“If he stays in, you’ll win,” I predicted. “And even if he doesn’t, I still think you’ve got this.”
“I hope so,” he said. “But a lot can change in four months. Look at the past three weeks! I hope he stays in the race as long as possible…”
As it turned out, it was only a matter of hours.
Biden is out now, and whoever the Democrats choose as a replacement nominee, Trump believes it won’t affect the outcome.
During our conversation, Trump sounded calm, content, and focused, with a newfound appreciation for health and life.
“Health is everything, Piers. Take care of yourself, alright?”
“Yes, Mr. President,” I replied. “You too.”
“Thanks, I will. It was good talking to you. You know me well, perhaps even better than most. I appreciate your words and the comparison to Jagger!”
I do know him well, flaws and all, and it’s clear that surviving the ordeal has given Trump a renewed vigor and momentum in the presidential race, which I believe will be unstoppable given the implosion of his opponents.
As Winston Churchill once said: “Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.”
