With President Trump, you never know exactly what to expect. Maybe that’s the only solid and fast rule of his leadership style: predictably “out there.” He’ll proudly be the one willing to say and do whatever happens to be on his mind, regardless of how that makes him come across (even if it causes some mental health professionals to call his stability into question). Witness today’s top example: Trump’s 75 minute press conference.
To say that Trump came across as unhinged would be doing two disservices to description. One, that word is overused. And two, it’s the kind of cautious understatement a responsible journalist is bound to employ. And that’s fine. Certainly, Trump seemed at times “unhinged.” He goes a bit beyond, or perhaps to the side, of just that, though. Much of Trump’s time was spent lambasting the press, which is alright – the press isn’t always fair, hasn’t always been fair, okay. Such opinions are allowed. But to imagine the media is somehow less trustworthy than the administration that necessitated the Orwellian term “alternative facts” is to be willfully idiotic. (Some, it seems, are happy to go there.)
On top of that, Trump appeared to publicly “assume” a black reporter must be on good and close terms with the Congressional Black Caucus, and shouted down a Jewish reporter who asked a legitimate question about the uptick in threats against Jewish centers and schools since he became POTUS. Wow. And whoa. And what in the world is going on here?
As for this writer, I am happy to see some journalists with the credibility to do so finally fight back. Here are a few of their often amusing responses:
Journalists Whisper at Trump’s Crazy Press Conference: ‘This Is Insane’ https://t.co/NU5Ps0qs5m
Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad free— Justin Miller (@justinjm1) February 16, 2017
One House GOP member says Trump presser part of “new normal. We’re just trying to manage this shit.” *Throws hands in air*
— Tom LoBianco (@tomlobianco) February 16, 2017
I am a journalist not a convener! But thank you for answering my questions. https://t.co/fe9cGXG46w
— AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) February 16, 2017
Gov. Paul LePage on Trump: ‘We got to tell him that the TV show’s over and he’s gotta move on now’ https://t.co/GmJy8V9EIy
— andrew kaczynski ? (@KFILE) February 16, 2017
“No one loves Jews more than I do,” he said to the Jew. “Now sit down.”
— Taffy Akner (@taffyakner) February 16, 2017
When asked to simply condemn anti-Semitism, @realDonaldTrump instead called it a “very insulting question.” pic.twitter.com/zmlhVW6EIZ
— Quartz (@qz) February 16, 2017
Yup. Trump put on a hell of a show and distracted us (again) from Russia ties and his week from hell. #Gaslighting https://t.co/GyGKnKxwi6
— Ana Navarro (@ananavarro) February 16, 2017
FWIW, Republicans on the Hill were panicked behind the scenes by Trump’s performance today.
— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) February 16, 2017
Press bashing may feel good to folks but when it’s done by people in power, it’s corrosive. Take off your partisan hats for a second
— Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) February 16, 2017
It’s 2017 in America, and this is where we’re at. Kinda speaks for itself.
This is exactly what was expected from the main stream media. Interesting how people saw his new conference.