# Hey meryl streep, you are a play-actor, nothing more **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 9, 2017, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718 "2017-01-09T14:46:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 25
**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:** [January 13, 2017, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/481 "2017-01-13T12:45:46Z")
I think most people know the President doesn’t write his own jokes for the WHCD, but given the way the Al Smith dinner went I can’t imagine the trainwreck Trump’s WHCDs will be. He won’t be able to stay on script. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/482 "2017-01-13T12:53:56Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > I’m curious to see who headlines Trump’s first correspondent’s dinner. Dice Clay? Too classy. ---
**Author:** ![Ale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Ale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ale)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/483 "2017-01-13T13:33:08Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Maybe you should try putting video _clips_ side by side, and avoid a potential dip into snapshot fallacy territory. > > In any case, the interpretation you are offering requires a generosity to Trump that he arguably has not earned. > > Indeed. In the context of a Correspondent’s Dinner (for example), presidents are expected to use mockery. It’s kind of silly to pretend that a president can never or should never do so, though if he tells a joke that strikes some as offensive in content or context, let him deal with the fallout like anyone else. The video clip was already provided, but if you insist, [video side by side](http://imgur.com/a/OGx0R). _Next up, another episode of My Own Lying Eyes._ ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/484 "2017-01-13T13:33:32Z")
> [@Bridget\_Burke](#): > > The sort of mocking that occurs at a Correspondents Dinner requires\* wit\*. So Trump is unable to compete. I admit a certain grim curiosity regarding how bad Trump will be at the next Dinner, assuming he attends at all. Related, what are some candidates for most witty Trump moment? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/485 "2017-01-13T13:40:18Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > I admit a certain grim curiosity regarding how bad Trump will be at the next Dinner, assuming he attends at all. > > Related, what are some candidates for most witty Trump moment? Grown-up wit or first grade wit? ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/486 "2017-01-13T14:27:42Z")
Grown-up. It’s a serious question (admittedly about a light topic). What are some of the more clever and witty moments Trump has had? And I mean things Trump has said, not what others have said to or about him. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/487 "2017-01-13T15:11:27Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Grown-up. It’s a serious question (admittedly about a light topic). What are some of the more clever and witty moments Trump has had? And I mean things Trump has said, not what others have said to or about him. Best I could come up with:o: “I’m speaking with myself, number one, because I have a very good brain and I’ve said a lot of things.” ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/488 "2017-01-13T15:23:55Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > In any case, the interpretation you are offering requires a generosity to Trump that he arguably has not earned. (post shortened) “Not earned” in a way similar to the Nobel Peace Prize that five (5) Norwegians very generously awarded to Obama? ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/489 "2017-01-13T15:30:19Z")
Hey, look over there! ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/490 "2017-01-13T15:31:55Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > (post shortened) > > “Not earned” in a way similar to the Nobel Peace Prize that five (5) Norwegians very generously awarded to Obama? Do you have anything to contribute to this thread other than to point out what you _think_ “the other side” did / does? I mean, obviously it’s your right to contribute in any way you wish but surely you have more substantial points to make? ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/491 "2017-01-13T15:51:04Z")
> [@Ukulele\_Ike](#): > > But…but…Meryl Streep clapped for POLANSKI! [using Trump fan logic] She wasn’t specifically applauding Polanski, she applauds everyone that way! There are dozens of youtube videos showing her applauding other people in exactly that same manner! [/using Trump fan logic] ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/492 "2017-01-13T15:55:22Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Follow-up: I found the approximately 20 seconds of the OP’s linked 12-minute video (around 5:45) where it’s claimed that Trump uses similar behavior to physically mock non-disabled people as well. That claim seems extremely weak to me, since Trump’s gesticulations and face/voice in the other clips did not seem at all the same as the “spazzy-looking” act he put on to mock _“the poor guy, you gotta see this guy”_ Kovaleski. (underline added) I’m entitled to my opinion, just as much as you are entitled to my opinion. 😃 The play actor Streep probably suffers from the same misunderstanding of how often Trump has used the exact same gestures to mock others, as are most of the Democrat collective. The others were definitely not handicapped/disabled. Your claim that this claim seems extremely weak seems extremely weak to me. Unfortunately for Streep, she appears to have limited her political input to whatever the Democrat collective is currently selling. Maybe she needs better script writers, or a better director? ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/493 "2017-01-13T15:59:56Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > Do you have anything to contribute to this thread other than to point out what you _think_ “the other side” did / does? I mean, obviously it’s your right to contribute in any way you wish but surely you have more substantial points to make? Meryl Streep is a very successful play actor. Play actors make their living pretending to be someone they are not. Trump did not mock a disabled person. Roman Polanski’s victim still says she was raped by Roman Polanski. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/494 "2017-01-13T16:03:23Z")
Let’s imagine for a moment, stretch that it is, that Trump’s gesture was just his standard method of mocking people. Isn’t that in itself bad enough? What the hell kind of grown man acts like that? Do you really find that acceptable or dignified? ---
**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:** [January 13, 2017, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/495 "2017-01-13T16:10:11Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Meryl Streep is a very successful play actor. > Play actors make their living pretending to be someone they are not. > Trump did not mock a disabled person. > Roman Polanski’s victim still says she was raped by Roman Polanski. I think Trump has made a living pretending (or trying to at least) to be something he’s not. At the end of the day, however, he still appears deplorable. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/496 "2017-01-13T16:28:55Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Trump did not mock a disabled person. (post shortened) Hahahaha. [Trump draws scornful rebuke for mocking reporter with disability](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/11/25/trump-blasted-by-new-york-times-after-mocking-reporter-with-disability/?utm_term=.da57d0b67f54) - Washington _Post_, 26 November 2015 [Donald Trump under fire for mocking disabled reporter](http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34930042) - BBC, 26 November 2015 [Trump mocks New York Times reporter with disability](http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chapman/ct-trump-mocks-disabled-reporter-20151125-story.html) - Chicago _Tribune_, 25 November 2015 [Donald Trump mocks reporter Serge Kovaleski’s musculoskeletal disability after 9/11 claims are debunked](http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/donald-trump-mocks-reporter-serge-kovaleskis-musculoskeletal-disability-after-911-claims-are-debunked-34237041.html) - Belfast _Telegraph_, 26 November 2015 [Trump Mocks Disabilities — Anything Left?](http://www.courant.com/opinion/op-ed/hc-op-wire-parker-trump-mocks-disabilities-1129-20151127-story.html) - Hartford _Cournat_, 29 November 2015 [Trump largely condemned for mocking disabled man](http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/news/trump-largely-condemned-for-mocking-disabled-man/article_bc5443f8-9c98-11e5-8854-ebe2e95da9ad.html) - Martinsville _Bulletin_, 6 December 2015 [Donald Trump Mocks Disabled Reporter, Chris Christie, John Kasich Hit Back](http://www.theglobaldispatch.com/donald-trump-mocks-disabled-reporter-chris-christie-john-kasich-hit-back-51911/) - The Global _Dispatch_, 2 December 2015 [Donald Trump mocks reporter with disability – video](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2015/nov/26/donald-trump-appears-to-mock-disabled-reporter-video) - The Guardian, 26 November 2015 Not the first time, either: [Trump Mocking Physical Disabilities Is Nothing New](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-mocks-disabled-reporter_us_56572101e4b072e9d1c1d1c0) - The Huffington _Post_, 26 November 2015 [Not classy: Donald Trump calls Fox News critic in wheelchair a “loser” who “just sits there”](http://www.salon.com/2015/06/17/not_classy_donald_trump_calls_fox_news_critic_in_wheelchair_a_loser_who_just_sits_there/) - Salon, 17 June 2015 ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/497 "2017-01-13T16:31:18Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > (post shortened) > > “Not earned” in a way similar to the Nobel Peace Prize that five (5) Norwegians very generously awarded to Obama? I mean “not earned” in the sense that you have not earned more than one sentence from me in response per year and this exhausts your 2017 allotment. ---
**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/498 "2017-01-13T16:39:23Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > (underline added) > > I’m entitled to my opinion, just as much as you are entitled to my opinion. 😃 The play actor Streep probably suffers from the same misunderstanding of how often Trump has used the exact same gestures to mock others, as are most of the Democrat collective. The others were definitely not handicapped/disabled. > > Your claim that this claim seems extremely weak seems extremely weak to me. > > Unfortunately for Streep, she appears to have limited her political input to whatever the Democrat collective is currently selling. Maybe she needs better script writers, or a better director? You need a better puppeteer - your “arguments” are becoming old and repetitive. ---
**Author:** ![TonySinclair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/49beb7/32.png) [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/499 "2017-01-13T17:02:16Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Grown-up. It’s a serious question (admittedly about a light topic). What are some of the more clever and witty moments Trump has had? And I mean things Trump has said, not what others have said to or about him. This was in a written speech, so I doubt that Trump came up with it himself, but it was the funniest thing I’ve heard him say. Going from memory: “The media is so unfair. Michele Obama gives a speech, and they all say how great she is. Melania gives the exact same speech…” ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718/500 "2017-01-13T17:25:13Z")
> [@Ale](#): > > If you have a problem with me sticking to that particular point and not following you into other matters Except I’m **not** going into “other matters”. What I’m saying about Trump’s specific words and actions in this whole event, **including the specific words and actions he used in mocking Kovaleski and the specific reasons he was attempting to disparage Kovaleski** , is entirely relevant to the question of whether Trump is to be trusted when he claims he wasn’t mocking Kovaleski’s physical appearance. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718.md?page=24) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-meryl-streep-you-are-a-play-actor-nothing-more/776718.md?page=26)