# A Perfectly Reasonable Amount of Schadenfreude about Things Happening to Trump & His Enablers (Part 3) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [January 20, 2025, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175 "2025-01-20T19:23:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 210
**Author:** ![kferr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/71e660/32.png) [@kferr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kferr)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4182 "2026-06-27T12:09:19Z")
My phone is on silent most of the time so I get a few missed calls with no voicemails each week. An interesting thing is that every call lasts exactly 19 or 20 seconds before disconnecting. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4183 "2026-06-27T15:57:45Z")
> [@kferr](#): > > An interesting thing is that every call lasts exactly 19 or 20 seconds before disconnecting. I get that on my work number (it’s a back number that no one has, and only gets calls by mistake or that are spam). 19 second voice mails with no voice. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4184 "2026-06-27T16:03:06Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > 19 second voice mails with no voice. Maybe that’s the default time-out in the software all those spammers use. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4185 "2026-06-27T17:53:23Z")
Excuse me for interrupting the discussions of polls, malls and phone answering habits with some schadenfreude, but I thought it was worth mentioning how sad and unpopulated trump’s ‘American State Fair’ turned out to be. In addition to the pitiful size of the crowd, I’ve heard reports of not much to see or do other than tacky looking neo-classical structures hastily assembled; booths with half-hearted boring displays from the states, with not even all the states represented; a scale (but still pretty big) model of trump’s Fourth Reich arch; the smelly green reflecting swamp on full display (I read that someone posted somewhere “trump is the only President to have been outwitted by a single-celled adversary”); trump giving a speech with the same old stupid stories and lies that he’s told a thousand times before, with crowds walking away in droves while he droned on; and much, much less. A real “[Willy’s Chocolate Experience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy%27s_Chocolate_Experience)”-esque event. The top attraction was the big ferris wheel, and it was down for a couple hours because of problems with the generator. > **[Trump scrambles to exaggerate pitiful crowd size at Great American State Fair...](https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-scrambles-to-exaggerate-pitiful-crowd-size-at-great-american-state-fair-event)** > > Stepping back, it’s worth appreciating the fact that the president is doing something inherently difficult: screwing up simple ceremonial duties. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4186 "2026-06-27T18:11:54Z")
Why do I (start to) read those articles? Trump makes me want to vomit. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4187 "2026-06-27T18:33:49Z")
> [@solost](#): > > I read that someone posted somewhere “trump is the only President to have been outwitted by a single-celled adversary Arguably WH Harrison (pneumonia or typhoid) and Zachary Taylor (possibly cholera) were too, but not quite in the same way. ---
**Author:** ![SunUp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SunUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SunUp)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4188 "2026-06-27T19:13:33Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > Arguably WH Harrison (pneumonia or typhoid) and Zachary Taylor (possibly cholera) were too, but not quite in the same way. Or whatever bug gave Garfield sepsis. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4189 "2026-06-27T20:29:52Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > Arguably WH Harrison (pneumonia or typhoid) and Zachary Taylor (possibly cholera) were too, but not quite in the same way. **YET.** (But we have another thread on that topic.) ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4190 "2026-06-27T22:49:30Z")
> [@solost](#): > > the smelly green reflecting swamp on full display On full display? Maybe from behind a beautiful chainlink fence. > **[A Reflecting Pool that has long enticed visitors now gains police scrutiny...](https://apnews.com/article/reflecting-pool-algae-renovations-trump-police-fencing-6178e44ec75bfd37b22bdf7dc0d0c338)** > > The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is a popular spot for protests, celebrations, and photos. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere but also for its murkiness and gnat-filled air. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4191 "2026-06-27T23:06:36Z")
I never made the connection until now, but this is the same pool in _Forrest Gump_, right? Where Forrest made his speech in front of the protesters and Jenn-aye waded in it to get closer to Forrest? ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2026, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4192 "2026-06-27T23:19:37Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > > [@solost](#): > > > > the smelly green reflecting swamp on full display > > On full display? Maybe from behind a beautiful chainlink fence. It’s amazing what an on-the-nose apt metaphor for trump’s entire Presidency the reflecting pool fiasco has become. Of course, I’m far from the first to make that observation. I believe @ThelmaLou said it better in another of these threads. > [@JohnT](#): > > I never made the connection until now, but this is the same pool in _Forrest Gump_, right? Yep, same pool. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4193 "2026-06-28T00:00:43Z")
> [@solost](#): > > It’s amazing what an on-the-nose apt metaphor for trump’s entire Presidency the reflecting pool fiasco has become. I just listened to _The Opinions_ podcast which had Thomas Friedman (love Friedman) discussing the Iran “deal”. It’s a great episode and he discusses how Trump loves “no-bid” deals, and how they end up being shit-shows. Reflecting Pool no-bid - shit-show. Iran war no-bid - shit-show. I recommend you give it a listen. If you don’t like listening, here is the transcript (gift link). [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/opinion/thomas-friedman-iran-deal.html?unlocked\_article\_code=1.tVA.p8gE.B-10hs0i9T7f&smid=url-share](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/opinion/thomas-friedman-iran-deal.html?unlocked_article_code=1.tVA.p8gE.B-10hs0i9T7f&smid=url-share) ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4194 "2026-06-28T00:22:56Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > On full display? Maybe from behind a beautiful chainlink fence. And on part of the chain link fence, a sign reads: “Danger: Explosives” Has Trump actually ordered anti-personnel mines around the pool? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4195 "2026-06-28T00:45:14Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > On full display? Maybe from behind a beautiful chainlink fence. At least Mr. Potato Head is making the algae pay for it. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4196 "2026-06-28T03:51:33Z")
Hey, remember that Burisma “bribery” story? > **[FBI informant who lied about Biden 'bribes' pleads guilty](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgnl7qdvjno)** > > Alexander Smirnov will likely spend four to six years in prison for making up a story which sparked impeachment hearings. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4197 "2026-06-28T03:52:38Z")
Funny; I’ll bet Faux “News” never reports on this. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4198 "2026-06-28T04:17:29Z")
No bet. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4199 "2026-06-28T04:51:52Z")
I’m frankly surprised the the FBI wasn’t instructed to drop the case, or at the very least plead down to a $5.00 fine and 30 minutes of community service. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4200 "2026-06-28T08:07:32Z")
> [@solost](#): > > It’s amazing what an on-the-nose apt metaphor for trump’s entire Presidency the reflecting pool fiasco has become. The Atlantic has written a nice article about the same thought (hope the gift link works): > **[The 13 Steps of a Trump Fiasco](https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/2026/06/reflecting-pool-america-250-trump/687716/?gift=cU4WmXraWG3WoSDDx6g_kQDhf34qk8XoYiUABmwyrho&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share)** > > The Reflecting Pool drama says everything about how the administration operates. The author identifies 13 steps in President Ineptstein modus operandi, of which three are about to happen. For documentation, here is the future, let’s see how accurate the prediction is: > This leaves three steps to come in the future. If patterns hold, we should expect **11. More blaming** (one contractor [told](https://www.eenews.net/articles/reflecting-pool-repairs-will-take-weeks-contractor-says/) _Politico_ the repairs to the lining will take weeks), followed by **12. Losing interest**. And then, of course, the most important one of all. The foundation upon which every Trump debacle is built. The perpetual-motion device of a petulant president: > > **13. Pretend it never happened, and move on to the next thing.** ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175/4201 "2026-06-28T08:27:10Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > The Atlantic has written a nice article about the same thought (hope the gift link works): It did, and thank you! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175.md?page=209) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-perfectly-reasonable-amount-of-schadenfreude-about-things-happening-to-trump-his-enablers-part-3/1013175.md?page=211)