Analysis | Trump gets caught in the weave and hands Democrats a target

In Grand Island, Nebraska, Donald Trump’s remarks at a Monday rally drew backlash after he appeared to imply high energy costs are a “small price” for preventing an Iran attack that could “take out” major U.S. cities. The comments, though tied to a reference to gas prices, were interpreted by critics as welcome destruction of Los Angeles and San Diego, which together have a combined population of more than 16 million. Several Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and both city mayors—Los Angeles’ Karen Bass and San Diego’s Todd Gloria—condemned the language. The article adds that even some Republicans disagreed, citing San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond. The dispute also triggered fundraising opportunities for opponents.