"We have found nothing that shows a collusion between President Trump and Russia, absolutely zero, but every day we have more documentation showing the collusion between the FBI and the DOJ, the Hillary campaign, foreign spies and Russians. " @SaraCarterDC @LouDobbs "
Trump sent some tweets referring to the anniversary of September 11, 2001 – although they were decidedly self-referential.
So,
he offered this "souvenir""Rudy Giuliani did an excellent job as the mayor of New York during the period of September 11. His leadership, bravery and talent should never be forgotten Rudy is a REAL WARRIOR!"
Then came
a photo of him and First Lady Melania Trump in front of the White House with this text: "Depart Washington, DC to attend a memorial service on Flight 93, Sept. 11 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, with Melania #NeverForget."
Finally,
this: "17 years since September 11th!"
(The point of exclamation, why ????)
This tweet about leaving for Shanksville service is the only one, even close to what a traditional president might envision. And upon arriving at the event, Trump made a celebratory smile and raised his fists as he greeted the fans on the tarmac of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Compare and compare how Trump treated the 9/11 birthday this morning with what other politicians did:
* Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee: "No political or cultural content from me today – just a solemn reminder of a day we will never forget the innocent victims and the heroism of fire, police and other first responders to whom we owe respect and recognition # Remember911 "
* Former President Bill Clinton"Today, we honor all those who lost their lives 17 years ago in NY, VA and PA, their loved ones and the brave first responders who risked their lives to save other people. lives in a way that redeems the years that they would not have. "
* New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: "Seventeen years ago, while the world witnessed a heinous act of barbaric terrorism, we also saw thousands of firefighters, police officers, federal and local police officers, medical workers, construction workers, and others. Heroes rushed to Ground Zero to answer the call of duty. "
* Florida Senator Marco Rubio"Today is a day for remembrance and quiet reflection, we will never forget the heroes and victims of September 11, 2001."
Hell, Paul Levesque – the professional wrestler known as Triple H – had a more "presidential" approach to the day than Trump,
tweeting:
"Every year we go #NeverForget:
The ones we lost …
Those who have shown extraordinary courage …
Those who work every day to protect us. #September 11th"
I have always maintained that the best way to get an idea of what Trump is concerned about and what is in his mind is to pay attention to his Twitter feed. And what his Twitter feed shows clearly, is that the President of the United States spent a good part of his morning watching a show recorded by a conservative presenter who became one of his greats defenders. (The Dobbs show on Fox Business Channel is broadcast live at 7 pm)
Trump's arches at the solemnity of the September 11th anniversary feel forced and superficial. (Seriously, why is there an exclamation point at the end of this final tweet? And why did Trump feel the need – after his three previous tweets – to send something noting that it is the 17th anniversary of this terrible day?
On Tuesday, Trump had not yet mentioned Hurricane Florence, a Category 4 storm that had already forced the evacuation of over a million people on the east coast. It is worth noting, however, that Trump sent out three tweets on Monday night detailing the preparations that he, his staff, and the governors of potentially affected states are making, as well as a warning that "
My people just informed me that it is one of the worst storms to hit the East Coast for many years. In addition, resembling a direct hit on North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Be prepared, be careful and be safe! "
Trump supporters will insist that Tuesday morning's Twitter activity reveals that the president can focus on a lot of different things at once. He can attack his own Ministry of Justice while remembering September 11, but in a very unique way. And of course, he keeps an eye on Florence – even if he does not talk about it.
Perhaps. But to start a day like today – with the emotional significance of the 9/11 anniversary and the very real urgency of a major hurricane on the East Coast – by hitting the same drum on "NO COLLUSION "and how the Department of Justice has its priorities all messed up is talking to the ear at the moment and the inability to focus on what matters to the country rather than what matters to you personally.
For Trump, the presidency does not concern the country. It's about him And with every tweet he makes it more and more clear.
