Some might say his reflexive counter-attacks on anyone who looks at him cross-eyed, even within his own party, is simply a “Chicago Way” style of operating, of strategically escalating conflicts in order to assert authority and control and cow the opposition.
But I think that’s giving him too much credit. There’s nothing strategic about it. As the article notes, attacking Corker makes no sense in advancing Trump’s agenda or policy goals. Indeed, it’s counter-productive.
It simply makes it clear that there is no such agenda, or no coherent one. Trump’s on the top of the heap. That’s what he’s most interested in. Anyone who is seen as trying to pull him down is an enemy who has to be attacked. Anyone who won’t give him the response he wants and the respect he thinks he’s entitled to is like someone not buying a toy for a 6-year-old, with the ensuing tantrum.
Or I may be wrong here; there may be an alternative, which is that Trump sees the path to victory in being an ass. That it’s an intentional, considered behavior. Particular policies, laws, legacy — that’s all that “political” stuff. He knows that what his True Followers want, expect, respect him for is being the rabid alpha dog — to kick in the teeth of the Washington establishment, to channel their rage and discontent and show that he doesn’t give a damn for any of that political crap. What he wants is their adulation and respect (and re-election).
In that light, attacking Corker makes sense, because who cares about the narrow GOP majority? If they fall on their face passing bills, it’s just proof as to how corrupt DC is, and how much his True Followers need Trump. Getting anything passed is secondary; standing up the Man is all that counts.
It’s still a childish approach, but it’s gotten him into the White House.
Donald Trump is playing zero-dimensional chess
On Sunday morning, President Donald Trump decided to go after Bob Corker.
People will keep using the colouring pencil Donnie wants to use. Sack the bitches Donnie….Your the big infant now, the big jelly with the Red cherry.
U don't need president trump u guys need president Obama
But what happens if President Trump gets to 2022 and discovers, "Oh, s@@@. I need a legacy!"?
+John E. Bredehoft I think he'll be happy with his legacy being "Most talked-about President ever." And as long as everyone treats him with pomp and circumstance the rest of his life, he'll be happy with that, too.
Trump has his pardons, he’s making money, his proposed tax ‘reform’ would bring him tons of money, he’s got to be a bigger a-hole than ever before, he’s getting back at the money Repubs who dissed him… and his useful idiots would still support him if he murdered somebody on camera. Maybe even a kid.
@Randy – I continue to believe that if he can get One Big Win on something, he’ll be happy to retire from the PitA that the Presidency is, even as neglectfully as he handles it. On the other hand, he might find success addictive and decide to stick around.