Sunday, August 25, 2019

Jesus Christ, For A Few Days


Washington's most prominent stand-up comedian was at it again when

President Trump said he was being sarcastic after he was asked about his remark that he was “the chosen one.”

“Let me tell you, you know exactly what I meant,” Trump told a reporter Friday night when asked about his comment. “It was sarcasm. It was joking. We were all smiling. And a question like that is just fake news. You’re just a faker.”

The president made the controversial comment Wednesday while defending the trade war with China.

According to CNBC, Trump said at the time: “This isn’t my trade war, this is a trade war that should have taken place a long time ago. Somebody had to do it…I am the Chosen One.”





Donald J. Trump does not joke around. Normal people (admittedly, not the best description of the President) somehow signal their sarcastic intent when they employ sarcasm. And when Trump stated "I am the chosen one" and looked skyward, there was no smile, ironic or unironic, sincere or insincere.

Trump's behavior is far better explained by educator and former actress Janet (not Angela) Lansbury, who without thinking about Donald J. Trump and possibly not even being aware of the future President, in 2013 wrote

Children will often push our limits simply because they haven’t received a straight answer to the question, “What will you do if I do such-and-such?” And then they might need to know, “Will it be different on Monday afternoons? What about when you’re tired? Or I’m cranky? If I get upset will you do something different?”

Like the child he often is accused of being, Donald Trump will continue to push limits, to make outrageous comments to determine if this, finally, is one step too far.

It was a little too far in this case, judging by the widespread ridicule he received, and he temporarily backed off, even to the point of claiming he was being sarcastic.  But that was not before the President had reinforced to his base evangelicals-  which, as usual , were pleased that he was making light of their religious convictions- that he is on their side. Further, Trump made it clear yet again that he will brook no criticism during a second term. Opposition to his will be equated with opposition to the will of God.

He has told us so. We have been warned.








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