“...the military will not use “force”, the optics would be unsavory. I call B S.”
It’s far from BS.
The advantage of having a powerful military is not in using it, but in willingness to use it.
Peace through strength works only if the enemy is convinced that the commander in chief is willing to use military might.
Of course it is bad politics to use the military! That’s why a cowardly POTUS will avoid it at all cost. That’s why a cowardly POTUS is unable to convince an adversary that military force is truly on the table. That’s why a cowardly POTUS is unable to enforce peace through strength.
Ironically, the cowardly POTUS is more likely to go to war than a strong POTUS - because peace through strength is peace - not war.
Trump is signaling that he is willing to use military strength - regardless of the political consequences.
You can call BS if you want - if you think Trump is bluffing - but ask yourself this: if Trump wants his military threats to be credible, why would he draw a line in the sand if he was not willing to follow through?
Doing so would establish him as an empty threat,with the whole world watching.
I would bet that Trump has already worked this out with the Mexican President prior to making this threat - we will see it n a few weeks, but I expect Trump will win this showdown one way or another - and come out looking strong.
Looking strong is one thing. Actually stopping the border rushes is another. Lucy’s football bit is over for many of us.