This video is apparently from June, but it's just gone viral within the last 48 hours or so -- and for good reason. Watch a small group of firefighters marvel as President Trump orders his motorcade to stop just before it appears to be pulling into an airport, exits his heavily-armored limousine, and personally greets each of them with handshakes and messages of gratitude. When the chain of vehicles comes to a halt, and secret service agents begin to quickly survey the area, one of the shocked first responders says, "no he's not." Another exclaims, "no way."
After it becomes clear that the president is about to appear, the first firefighter asks his colleagues, "isn't this great?" Seconds later, Trump emerges from the car, clapping for the assembled group. He gestures for them to approach him, then spends a short period of time shaking each individual's hand. "Thank you, men. Thank you," he says. "That's awesome," one remarks. Trump then gathers the firefighters around for a photo, cracking jokes, and flashing a thumbs-up. As the impromptu moment wraps up, the video ends. Watch:
In these polarized times, President Trump inspires very strong feelings in both directions. His overall average approval rating sits at roughly (43/53), but most Americans -- perhaps aside from the most passionately committed resisters -- would certainly approve of the cool and generous scene above. If this had been a contrived photo-op to engender public support, it would have "leaked" immediately. It didn't. The president saw some public servants who risk their lives to protect others and went out of his way to express his appreciation in a simple yet dramatic way. In doing so, he surprised and delighted them, resulting in a special and memorable encounter. I'll leave you with another recent reminder that Trump seems to relish surprising people:
Donald Trump can't stop (and won't stop) crashing weddings in New Jersey -- especially if there's a chance to give the bride a smooch and woo the crowd at the same time. The President made a surprise appearance Friday during Gerald Papa and Jenna Buchholtz's wedding at Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster Township. Witnesses tell us 45 flew in on his Marine One chopper and popped in to greet their guests, unannounced...As for how that was received ... people around absolutely ate it up.
If you're pro-Trump enough to get hitched at one of his properties, you're probably not terribly opposed to an unplanned presidential drop-by -- and Trump is evidently happy to oblige.