The New York Times is unhappy about the Daytona 500, oh no!

The New York Times is unhappy about the Daytona 500, oh no! Times reporter Maggie Habberman commented “Using the official apparatus of government for what appears to be a political event” when the President of the United States made an appearance at what is known as “America’s Race” and taking his limousine known as “The Beast” for a lap around the track, a first for any President. But please folks, don’t buy into this propaganda that what the President did was somehow wrong or even violated any norms by attending, as others have, or using the trappings of his office while at the event. These actions are NORMAL for Presidents and Vice Presidents of the United States. For example, when I commanded an air force base in New Mexico, BOTH President Obama and Vice President Biden made trips out there in Air Force 1 and 2 a few weeks apart, both used motorcades and all the trappings of their offices including media releases to highlight the visits. My team provided security on the base, aircraft servicing, and parking for the aircraft and the vehicles. But guess what, both were there for explicitly political reasons and I was told that when I requested they visit with our service members and their families if possible. To their credit both did take the time to work a rope line on their way to their political events. Here’s the point, we live in some interesting times but also dangerous times. For major media to push misleading stories like the Daytona 500 race visit mischaracterization is detrimental to all of us, not just the individual occupying the Oval Office they don’t like. Finally, I hope you’re all praying with me for the recovery of driver Ryan Newman, who had a devastating crash on the last lap of the race. God bless you all.