Thursday, February 6, 2020

What did Donald Trump do today?

He stayed mad.

Trump's post-trial emotional roller coaster continued today. He started the day by using a prayer breakfast as an opportunity lash out at his political opponents, once again attacking Nancy Pelosi for praying for him. (As more observant Christians than Trump know, Jesus commands his followers to pray for their enemies.)

Later, standing in front of an audience of hand-picked political supporters, a visibly agitated Trump addressed the country for over an hour on the subject of his impeachment.

During that time, he described Americans who supported his impeachment this way:

  • "very unfair"
  • "evil"
  • "corrupt"
  • "leakers and liars"
  • "a disgrace"
  • "bad people"
  • "bullshit"
  • "nasty"
  • "tremendous corruption"
  • "very bad and evil people"
  • "horrible, dirty cops"
  • "crooked"
  • "not fair"
  • "saying the most horrendous things about me"
  • "totally incorrect"
  • "failed so badly"
  • "lousy politicians"
  • "vicious and mean"
  • "horrible"
  • "terrible"
  • "very ugly"
  • "non-people"
  • "the bad ones"
  • "they were going to try and overthrow the government"
  • "sleazebag"
  • "the crookedest, most dishonest, dirtiest people I've ever seen"
  • "scum"
  • "highly partisan"
  • "in my opinion, it's almost like they want to destroy our country"
  • "some very evil and sick people"

According to one of the last polls taken before the Senate voted not to expel Trump from office, 56% of Americans think Trump was guilty of abuse of power. That number includes 67% of independents, and even 18% of Republicans.

60% of Americans wanted Trump either expelled from office or censured—41% for expulsion, and 19% for censure. Only 31% of Americans thought Trump should be neither expelled nor censured.

Why is this a bad thing?

  • Attacking anyone and everyone who isn't personally loyal to the leader is what dictators do.
  • Presidents who can't control their impulses can't do the job.