Friday, April 6, 2018

Donald Trump: the worst of America, the worst of humankind

The president is known for his after-hours cellphone calls and his late-night cable news habit, but several times a month, he invites New York real estate pals and businessmen, conservative leaders, prominent TV journalists, former campaign aides, and lawmakers to private dinners inside the White House residence — gatherings never made public on the official White House schedule.

[...]

[H]e’s traded the high-wattage salons hosted by the Obamas for clubby interactions with people he considers peers, according to eight current and former administration officials and sources who have been to the meals.

The parties, which have recently ramped up, afford Trump the chance to do something he loves — play host.

[...]

Patriots owner Bob Kraft, news magnate Rupert Murdoch and conservative media figures Chris Ruddy and Matt Drudge have been. So has Trump’s longtime New York real-estate developer friend Richard LeFrak. He’s also welcomed musician Kid Rock and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin — who posted photographs on social media of herself posing in the White House — and JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who was one of President Barack Obama’s closest Wall Street allies.

[...]

Earlier this week, Trump ate with top Oracle executive Safra Catz and venture capitalist Peter Thiel, both close advisers who offer the president insight on the tech and business community.

[...]

Sometimes, TV personalities such as Sean Hannity or former Fox News executive Bill Shine dine alongside Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, favored Cabinet secretaries like Steven Mnuchin and Wilbur Ross, or senior staff like Kellyanne Conway. Last month, Trump had steaks with former campaign staffers Corey Lewandowski, Brad Parscale and David Bossie.

  Politico
And they weren't failed Trump steaks.

There's no mention of Melania at these things.
“Presidents usually don’t bring the opposition to the residence for social occasions,” said Naftali. “Some presidents surround themselves with people who reinforce the worst sides of their characters, while some have people who calm them down or challenge them.”
Which do you suppose Trump does?
The dinners give Trump the opportunity to be in charge, steer the conservation and show off the historic place he now calls home — with its trappings of valets, Marine guards and historic artifacts.
A chance to rule the roost and show off. The most important aspects of his life.
If he’s feeling upbeat, he’ll give visitors a tour of the Lincoln Bedroom or show off the copy of the Gettysburg Address or a rug installed by Ronald Reagan. Often, he’ll say to guests: “Have you ever seen luxury like this?” as he guides them through, said the administration official.
Yes, douchebag, they have if they've been invited to your Trump Hotel residence.
Trump likes to solicit the opinion of fellow diners, tout what he sees as his accomplishments, strategize for the midterms, or sell fellow diners on legislation such as the tax bill.

Before people go, Trump is always happy to sign a book or a copy of the calligraphic menus produced for every dinner, giving visitors a souvenir for their behind-the-scenes visit.

[...]

Melania Trump attends only infrequently, say administration officials.
Aha. There it is.

...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.

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