I wonder if there is something between Madman and Madman Strategy which goes like this: He’s been acting the madman for so long he no longer knows it’s an act. Shouting grievances and being angry at those he holds responsible got him big applause at rallies and then got him votes. It’s part of who he is now. Can he turn it off? Or does it automatically get cranked up to 11 when he feels desperate?
Excellent analysis again. I believe this is purely “The Madman”. He has not done well in the courts this past week, gas prices are skyrocketing, polls are plummeting, and Iran continues to shoot down aircraft and launch missiles at ground targets after Trump and Hegseth have boasted of how we have attained air supremacy and destroyed their missile capabilities. Trump has a minimal attention span, has convinced himself that any action he orders will be successful, and needs instant gratification. Despite carrying all the heavy responsibilities of the office of the president, he seems to place equal weight on the importance of attacking a celebrity online with that of handling an international crisis. No, this morning’s post was the equivalent of a young child throwing a temper tantrum because his parents would not let him have what he wanted. I suspect the Iranians regard it in the same way, and understand that ignoring or countering his demand will cause Trump even more pain and embarrassment. By the way, Trump’s press conference scheduled for tomorrow is likely being held to permit him to take credit, sort of stolen valor, for the amazingly complex and successful efforts to rescue the downed F-15 flier. We must remember that brave Americans have been risking, and in some instances sacrificing their lives for decades to rescue fliers from Japanese held islands in the Solomons, from snowy hills of North Korea, from thick jungles of Vietnam, and more recently in conflicts in of the Middle East. We also must remember that Trump mocked brave aviator and gentleman John McCain for being shot down and captured in North Vietnam.
I love John Dickerson because his analysis is always on point, his use of our language is precise and concise, and his commenters are intelligent people.
I am scared......for all of us!
So am I.
I wonder if there is something between Madman and Madman Strategy which goes like this: He’s been acting the madman for so long he no longer knows it’s an act. Shouting grievances and being angry at those he holds responsible got him big applause at rallies and then got him votes. It’s part of who he is now. Can he turn it off? Or does it automatically get cranked up to 11 when he feels desperate?
John Dickerson nails it every time.
Excellent analysis again. I believe this is purely “The Madman”. He has not done well in the courts this past week, gas prices are skyrocketing, polls are plummeting, and Iran continues to shoot down aircraft and launch missiles at ground targets after Trump and Hegseth have boasted of how we have attained air supremacy and destroyed their missile capabilities. Trump has a minimal attention span, has convinced himself that any action he orders will be successful, and needs instant gratification. Despite carrying all the heavy responsibilities of the office of the president, he seems to place equal weight on the importance of attacking a celebrity online with that of handling an international crisis. No, this morning’s post was the equivalent of a young child throwing a temper tantrum because his parents would not let him have what he wanted. I suspect the Iranians regard it in the same way, and understand that ignoring or countering his demand will cause Trump even more pain and embarrassment. By the way, Trump’s press conference scheduled for tomorrow is likely being held to permit him to take credit, sort of stolen valor, for the amazingly complex and successful efforts to rescue the downed F-15 flier. We must remember that brave Americans have been risking, and in some instances sacrificing their lives for decades to rescue fliers from Japanese held islands in the Solomons, from snowy hills of North Korea, from thick jungles of Vietnam, and more recently in conflicts in of the Middle East. We also must remember that Trump mocked brave aviator and gentleman John McCain for being shot down and captured in North Vietnam.
I love John Dickerson because his analysis is always on point, his use of our language is precise and concise, and his commenters are intelligent people.
Thank you for this analysis; I appreciate it. The situation, all of it, fills me with despair.