Depends on the jurisdiction. Some have separate charges for assault (the threat of physical harm) & battery (actual physical harm). Others don’t distinguish or consider it a single charge.

I'm pretty sure the point is that the cop wasn't able to articulate that potential distinction, instead calling it 'politics' after grasping at straws with the 'resisting' line of bullshit.

Fair enough. It’s disgusting any way you look at it.