Cratering Respectability Politics

June 06, 2017

I'm not certain of much in life, but that Donald Trump is a disgrace who is in over his head seems pretty unquestionable. The London terrorist attacks were yet another chance for him to show a bit of leadership (or just a shred of decency), but it was yet another test that he failed miserably.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/871328428963901440

The quote from London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, "no reason to be alarmed!" was taken out of context. He was telling Londoners not to be alarmed by the added police presence in the city. Given the opportunity to apologize, or just not say anything, Trump chose to do neither.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/871725780535062528

Here's the quote that Mr. Khan's words were pulled from.

“Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. No reason to be alarmed — one of the things the police and all of us need to do is make sure we’re as safe as we possibly can be.”

Seems it's Mr. Trump that's "thinking" fast.

What's the point

Leadership doesn't appear to be his goal. Instead, he seems to be looking to throw as much red meat as he can to his supporters in lieu of delivering on his campaign promises. Foreign dignitaries will be insulted, and deals will be broken, for as long as the charade can last. Any stunt that might be pushed as a show of power will be tried. And I suspect it will go on for quite a while as a perfect storm of Republican party over country partisanship is in charge. I haven't seen anything to give me hope there yet.

Update (for context):

https://twitter.com/mattmfm/status/871946100386746368