LF: Journalists Whisper at Trump’s Crazy Press Conference: ‘This Is Insane’

Title: Journalists Whisper at Trump’s Crazy Press Conference: ‘This Is Insane’
Source: The Daily Beast
URL Source: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articl ... conference-this-is-insane.html
Published: Feb 16, 2017
Author: Asawin Suebsaeng Asawin Suebsaeng
Post Date: 2017-02-16 18:50:11 by Willie Green
Keywords: None
Views: 16199
Comments: 58

In his most unhinged confrontation yet, the president said “I’m not ranting and raving. I love this.” Maybe too much.

On Thursday afternoon, President Donald Trump’s staff corralled the White House press corps into the East Room of the White House so that he could sing the praises of his new Labor Secretary pick, Alexander Acosta.

This was the case only for first few minutes during which the president, visibly bored, read from a sheet of notes, sounding like he had just woke up from a power nap.

For the remainder of the marathon press conference, which lasted one hour and 17 minutes, Trump perked up and did what he has the most fun doing: beating up on the press.

He shouted about Russia, Vladimir Putin, and Russian intelligence. He vented about how unfair and nasty “the media” was to him, but took time to specifically praise friendly outlets such as Fox News. He tried to settle old scores in public. He touted the single national poll that showed a favorable approval rating. He continued to protest too much about charges of racism, and even anti-Semitism in his ranks. And President Trump revived Candidate Trump’s favorite campaign-rally applause line about how he has “never seen more dishonest media than, frankly, the political media.”

It was like he had never left the campaign trail or all the old talking points, pugnacity, and vitriol that came with it. The only thing that was missing was a jab at “Crooked Hillary.”

And as the official White House press conference disintegrated further into unhinged criticism and belligerent sniping, reporters seated in the East Room could hardly contain themselves. There was an awkward mix of laughing with Trump, and chuckling at him as the president kept venting and sneering. The reporters present couldn’t stop quietly gossipping about Trump.

“What is going on?” one journalist whispered to another. “This is insane” and “What the hell?” were other popular refrains in the room.

It was, again, time for Trump’s very public airing of the grievances and insecurities—all of them too familiar.

The most jarring parts of the president’s therapeutic-sounding, televised meltdown were when his extended monologues took aim at his media enemies-list, or when the conversation shifted to Russia and Michael Flynn, Trump’s recently resigned national security adviser.

This was when Trump deployed a fast clip of back-to-back contradictory statements and bizarre conspiratorial claims—the kind of almost improvisational routine Trump has perfected in his rise to power, and also his era of reality-TV stardom.

“I don’t think he did anything wrong. If anything, he did something right,” Trump said, defending the just-sacked Flynn as “a fine person.”

“You know, you can talk all you want about Russia, which was all, you know, fake news, [a] fabricated deal, to try and make up for the loss of the Democrats and the press plays right into it,” Trump alleged. “It’s all fake news. It’s all fake news. The nice thing is, I see it starting to turn, where people are now looking at the illegal… giving out [of] classified information.”

The president wouldn’t stop blaming “fake news,” or the ghosts of the Obama administration for leaking information on Flynn speaking in secret with the Russian ambassador just as the United States was imposing new sanctions on the Kremlin.

“Russia is fake news,” he insisted, again. “Russia—this is fake news put out by the media. The real news is the fact that people, probably from the Obama administration [are leaking] because they’re there, because we have our new people going in place, right now.”

Trump was later asked by a reporter if he can “definitively” say that nobody on his campaign had “any contacts with the Russians during the campaign,” and if it’s all “fake news” as Trump says, then how “are these real leaks?”

“Well, the leaks are real…I mean the leaks are real,” he shot back. “The leaks are absolutely real. The news is fake because so much of the news is fake…The reporting is fake.”

Continuing on his routine tirade against “fake” reporting, the president couldn’t resist taking a couple shots at CNN, one of his biggest media adversaries during the election. (The channel’s reporter Jim Acosta—no relation to Trump’s Labor pick—was present to take the roasting.)

Trump, the most powerful man in the world, is still petty enough to mock the network’s ratings, all the while sneaking in a plug for his favorite cable-news allies.

“Fox and Friends in the morning, they’re very honorable people,” Trump, the media critic, said. “They have the most honest morning show. That’s all I can say. It’s the most honest.” (Not long before he became leader of the free world, Trump had a regular guest-slot on Fox and Friends.)

Still, President Trump wanted to remind the room and the American people that he wasn’t mad. He says he’s just having the time of his life at the expense of the media elite.

“I’m actually having a very good time, OK?” he said. “Tomorrow, they will say, ‘Donald Trump rants and raves at the press.’ I’m not ranting and raving. I’m just telling you, you know, you’re dishonest people…I’m not ranting and raving. I love this. I’m having a good time doing it. But tomorrow, the headlines are going to be, ‘Donald Trump rants and raves.’ I’m not ranting and raving.”

“Go ahead,” he dared the writers and editors.

When the press conference finally concluded, Trump quickly exited the East Room. His top aides (including Steve Bannon and Kellyanne Conway) who were seated in front of him the whole time, leapt up to applaud, cheer, and smile as their boss left the reception room.

To Trump and his many fans and Republican enablers, he had just killed it and stuck it to the relentless haters and the sore losers. To his many critics, he had thrown yet another one of his famous, high-publicity temper tantrums.

“To be honest, I inherited a mess—it’s a mess, at home and abroad, a mess,” Trump emphasized toward the start of the presser, complaining about all the work he has to do, from job creation to the Middle East.

“I just want to let you know, I inherited a mess,” the president reiterated, cementing his excuses.

The media has always hated it when someone tells the truth. The truth doesn't sell advertising.

BOYCOTT PAYPAL AND CLOSE YOUR PP ACCOUNTS NOW! ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO,TOO!

Why is democracy held in such high esteem when itâ€™s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)

American Indians had open borders. Look at how well that worked out for them.

WH journalists are used to having a politician for a president. They are used to the same old routine that the American people are tired of. Used to a bloated government, massive trade and budget deficits and used to the US being trillions of dollars in debt.

There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."Theodore Roosevelt-1907.

I am concerned for the security of our great nation; not so much because of any threat from without, but because of the insidious forces working from within." -- General Douglas MacArthur

Willie,Trump smoked them. They are used to being catered to and worshipped. Trump hosed them with ice cold water today. While he was at it, he sent a stern warning to them to let his people work. Here's the transcript. Very straight forward and lucid. Trump Presser

The complaint of every politician since the beginning of time, and what comes next; because of this mess I cannot implement my promises. You know when they are going to break their promises when they start talking about the legacy of their predecessor. Dump talked a lot about fake news, but what could be more fake than this speech?

I do not go to church every time the doors are opened, but I love Jesus Christ. I am only human and fail Him daily. I believe Jesus is the Son of God, was born of a virgin, was crucified on a cross, died for my sins and rose from the dead and that He loves us dearly, and is faithful to forgive us of our sins. But He says that if you deny me in front of your friends I will deny you in front of my Father. Can I get an Amen!

Your God damned comments!

DailyBeast obviously paid no attention to this briefing. Hillary was mentioned unfavorably multiple times.

He mentioned and disparaged the cheap plastic reset button twice, and how the Russians were confused by something so pathetic.

He mentioned her approval of the sale of most of America's uranium reserves to Russia several times.

And he mentioned how dishonest she was for not turning herself in for getting debate questions in advance from CNN (who also got jabbed as dishonest). He mentioned this several times too.

As I recall it, Hitlery got mentioned at least six times. So how did DailyBeast's intrepid reporter, Asawin Suebsaeng, manage to miss it?

This was simply the best presser ever. I was cheering as he treated the press like the lapdogs they are for the left, told them when to sit down, when to stand, when they could talk and when to shut the eff up. OUTSTANDING.....THAT is a CIC. ...... ...... AND May I add, this is the first time I was proud to be American in a long time.....well since November 2016...then again in January 2017....but this was a shot of B-12 for sure.

Exercising rights is only radical to two people, Tyrants and Slaves. Which are YOU? Our ignorance has driven us into slavery and we do not recognize it.

I watched his press conference this morning and I was impressed by his demeanor on how he handled one reporter on questions asked concerning dealing with Russia and Putin and the spy ship along the Norfolk, Virginia area which violates a 1987 US Treaty with Russia. In the rules of war, you never give away your strategy to your enemies; especially to a reporter. These people must think Trump is stupid.

Trump's press conference was great. He should do one every month. He is such a master at handling fools with humor and getting the information out.

The press doesn't treat the President with the respect he deserves. They are dishonest, incompetent, deceitful people, They do not deserve to be spoken to, or of, with respect. They declared war on the Trump presidency and on the American people for voting for Trump.

So now they need to be treated as the arrogant, deceitful, transparently partisan scum that they are.

Hey Willie why should I give a shit what some foreigner piece of shit thinks. He's not American.

The man knows absolutely nothing about "leadership."
His whole life, he's done nothing except bash & belittle his critics & toady underlings like a friggin' spoiled brat.

If he puts the liberals in ovens all will be good. Just kidding Willie. Just the ones protesting. ;)

Think maybe the fact that everybody IS out to get him him may have something to do with that?

BOYCOTT PAYPAL AND CLOSE YOUR PP ACCOUNTS NOW! ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO,TOO!

Why is democracy held in such high esteem when itâ€™s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)

American Indians had open borders. Look at how well that worked out for them.

He scares the hell out of them because he doesn't play their customary "go along to get along" game. He rocks the boat and calls them out. They are not used to that,and it scares the hell out of them.

BOYCOTT PAYPAL AND CLOSE YOUR PP ACCOUNTS NOW! ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO,TOO!

Why is democracy held in such high esteem when itâ€™s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)

American Indians had open borders. Look at how well that worked out for them.

I remember Eisenhower being elected,and I don't remember any of them actually coming out and speaking the truth about the incompetence of the president they replaced.

BOYCOTT PAYPAL AND CLOSE YOUR PP ACCOUNTS NOW! ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO,TOO!

Why is democracy held in such high esteem when itâ€™s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)

American Indians had open borders. Look at how well that worked out for them.

If Trump were to run out into the street and save a child from being ran over by scooping them up and running for the curb,the media headline would be "Trump runs away from tough questions,and holds up traffic while doing it."

BOYCOTT PAYPAL AND CLOSE YOUR PP ACCOUNTS NOW! ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO,TOO!

Why is democracy held in such high esteem when itâ€™s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)

American Indians had open borders. Look at how well that worked out for them.

Ok,you convinced me. I'm going to have to start watching press conferences again.

BOYCOTT PAYPAL AND CLOSE YOUR PP ACCOUNTS NOW! ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO,TOO!

Why is democracy held in such high esteem when itâ€™s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)

American Indians had open borders. Look at how well that worked out for them.

Reporters ARE the enemy of the truth,unless it is a convenient truth that agrees with their editor's viewpoints.

I would have rather had teeth pulled with pliers than talk to a reporter when I was in the army during the VN war.

BOYCOTT PAYPAL AND CLOSE YOUR PP ACCOUNTS NOW! ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO,TOO!

Why is democracy held in such high esteem when itâ€™s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)

American Indians had open borders. Look at how well that worked out for them.

Because that horse isn't dead yet. She still has agents out running around trying to destroy his presidency so she can take over.

BOYCOTT PAYPAL AND CLOSE YOUR PP ACCOUNTS NOW! ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO,TOO!

Why is democracy held in such high esteem when itâ€™s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)

American Indians had open borders. Look at how well that worked out for them.

Trump ain't gonna last a full year... that's for sure...
Even Ryan & McConnell will skewer him long before that...

The left is tired of popular elections and presidents. They want to go straight to Maximum Leader at this point. They just KNEW they had 'murika in the bag and that the fat old commie bitch that used to love to wear Nehru jackets was going to be our first dictator,and then their dreams were crushed.

Trump ain't gonna last a full year... that's for sure... Even Ryan & McConnell will skewer him long before that...

Sure of that,are you? Maybe it will be those two traitors that will be skewered,not Trump?

The left is now planning on revolution,and I am ALMOST to the point where I want to say "Bring it,bitches!"

BOYCOTT PAYPAL AND CLOSE YOUR PP ACCOUNTS NOW! ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO,TOO!

Why is democracy held in such high esteem when itâ€™s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)

American Indians had open borders. Look at how well that worked out for them.

It's funny you mention that cause Britian wants to pass the Espionage Act that would apply to reporters who violate it. After what I saw yesterday watching that press conference, we need to also implement something like this here. We finally have a real Commander in Chief in charge and by god the kids are going nuts. They just cannot handle it as they are so used to having things done their way or else. I am amazed this country has not crumbled yet.

The media wants arrogant, highly educated, regal authoritarians as a leader. People who pause, stutter and search for a way to deceive them cleverly are perfect. B.I.B. . . I like it.

Exercising rights is only radical to two people, Tyrants and Slaves. Which are YOU? Our ignorance has driven us into slavery and we do not recognize it.

Ain't gonna happen... Trump promised to "drain the swamp" and he's gonna drown in it instead.

Because it's so much fun? Besides, look at all the shit she pulled and no one ever asked her diddly-squat about it.

I am old enough to remember when ALL the national politicians were boasting about working hard to make the rest of the world more like America,so people all over the globe would be free to live their lives in peace and manage their affairs themselves without government oversight.

Now we have national politicians from both branches of the ruling party giving speeches claiming America needs to be like the other countries so we can all have a unified globalist government.

And most people from both the left and the right seem to think this is a good idea.

BOYCOTT PAYPAL AND CLOSE YOUR PP ACCOUNTS NOW! ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO,TOO!

Why is democracy held in such high esteem when itâ€™s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)

American Indians had open borders. Look at how well that worked out for them.

The ruling elites are arrogant because the voters have allowed them to get away with it over and over as an alleged Republican takes over the white house every 8 years,promises change,and delivers compromises.

Seems to me almost everybody I meet is fed up with their national political leaders stabbing them in the back,and IF there is one thing that will get the professional criminals we call "politicians" to have a sudden change of heart and moment of clarity,it is the serious threat of losing the next election and all the perks including under the table bags of cash that comes with it.

BOYCOTT PAYPAL AND CLOSE YOUR PP ACCOUNTS NOW! ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO SO,TOO!

Why is democracy held in such high esteem when itâ€™s the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)

American Indians had open borders. Look at how well that worked out for them.

It's tanked in the Western and Southern portions of Virginia too. So that will be a pick up. And when the independent minded people of Minnesota realize Trump is actually like them, yet another pick up.

The only people crying bloody heck are the deep blue coastal states. So frankly who cares what they think.