I posted a link to the entire 16 minute discussion between Trump, Shumer and Pelosi today:
I realize many of you won't want to watch the whole thing but, for the rest of you, I was struck with the terrible strategy used by the Democrats. Keep in mind this meeting took place in front of the press in the oval office, where Trump is king/tyrant/dictator.
It begins with a lengthy rambling monologue by Trump where he praises himself, takes credit for a lot of matters and totally dominates the entire discussion for a few minutes. When he finally allows Shumer and Pelosi to speak, he freely interrupts them or cuts them off entirely.
Throughout, Trump calls them "Nancy" and "Chuck" like he just had hired them on his staff as interns.
Clearly, Trump's unspoken message is that he is in charge and Pelosi and Shumer are there only to listen to what Trump has to say.
I think Pelosi and Shumer fell into his trap and should not have even tried to engage Trump in discussing the border wall because the context merely allowed Trump to play strongman negotiator superhero. They looked weak and Trump looked strong. Instead, Pelosi and Shumer should have at least tried to control the narrative by limiting their comments to the bare minimum and responding as often as possible by saying they were going to discuss all these matters with the President in private in a few minutes.
Trump was basically playing poker -- aggressively overselling his hand and bluffing. Since Pelosi and Shumer were not doing anything Trump cared about, they were basically playing solitaire with themselves. I'd say Trump won the round.
I realize many of you won't want to watch the whole thing but, for the rest of you, I was struck with the terrible strategy used by the Democrats. Keep in mind this meeting took place in front of the press in the oval office, where Trump is king/tyrant/dictator.
It begins with a lengthy rambling monologue by Trump where he praises himself, takes credit for a lot of matters and totally dominates the entire discussion for a few minutes. When he finally allows Shumer and Pelosi to speak, he freely interrupts them or cuts them off entirely.
Throughout, Trump calls them "Nancy" and "Chuck" like he just had hired them on his staff as interns.
Clearly, Trump's unspoken message is that he is in charge and Pelosi and Shumer are there only to listen to what Trump has to say.
I think Pelosi and Shumer fell into his trap and should not have even tried to engage Trump in discussing the border wall because the context merely allowed Trump to play strongman negotiator superhero. They looked weak and Trump looked strong. Instead, Pelosi and Shumer should have at least tried to control the narrative by limiting their comments to the bare minimum and responding as often as possible by saying they were going to discuss all these matters with the President in private in a few minutes.
Trump was basically playing poker -- aggressively overselling his hand and bluffing. Since Pelosi and Shumer were not doing anything Trump cared about, they were basically playing solitaire with themselves. I'd say Trump won the round.
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