RealClearPolitics Podcast Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Attacked During Town Hall Meeting
Jan 28, 2026
They recount a town-hall attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar and the security and political fallout that followed. They parse the president's reaction and debates over local and federal responsibility. They examine U.S. strategy toward Venezuela, Cuba and Iran and a high-profile Senate appearance. They cover a White House push for child savings accounts and recent major layoffs affecting the job market.
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Elected Officials Are Vulnerable At Town Halls
- The attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar highlights how vulnerable public officials are without security at town halls.
- Carl Cannon and Tom Bevan stress such harassment must be condemned regardless of politics.
Politicizing Violent Incidents Hurts Credibility
- President Trump's comment accusing Omar of staging the incident illustrates his tendency to politicize events.
- Carl Cannon warns this reflects a narcissistic impulse to make everything about Trump.
Omar's Immediate Response And A Personal Memory
- Ilhan Omar physically confronted the attacker and resumed the town hall after he was removed.
- Tom Bevan recounts seeing other elected officials like Tom Coburn walking without protection.
