# The Trump Administration: A Clusterfuck in the Making Part Deux (Part 1) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 22, 2020, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083 "2020-06-22T03:36:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 325
**Author:** ![bobsmom101](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobsmom101/32/2867_2.png) [@bobsmom101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobsmom101)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6500 "2020-11-16T16:06:43Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Should be “ _personae_ ,” **plural**. Um, why? Does he have Dissociative Identity Disorder as well? per·so·na /ˌpərˈsōnə/ _noun_ 1. the aspect of someone’s character that is presented to or perceived by others. “her public persona” ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6501 "2020-11-16T16:06:49Z")
I’m not seeing dementia as much as extreme megalomania. He thinks he can steal this election by force of personality and bluster, or outright extortion. ---
**Author:** ![Skypist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skypist/32/169_2.png) [@Skypist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skypist)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6502 "2020-11-16T16:10:03Z")
He’s not embarrassed because he knows his fans will think he’s tough no matter what. Only non-fans think he’s embarrassing himself. Plus the goal is to hobble Biden as much as possible. ---
**Author:** ![raventhief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raventhief/32/4_2.png) [@raventhief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raventhief)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6503 "2020-11-16T16:11:35Z")
> [@Skypist](#): > > Plus the goal is to hobble Biden as much as possible. Sadly, the effect of that will likely be a higher death count. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6504 "2020-11-16T16:17:25Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > “his constellation of other psychological **infirmities** and general antisocial persona.” My bold. I was assuming it was parallel to the plural “infirmities.” But I can see your point. I made an erroneous assumption. Read too quickly and made a leap where none was called for. My bad. I humbly stand corrected. Do you have any penance you want to assign to me? ---
**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:** [November 16, 2020, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6505 "2020-11-16T16:18:02Z")
> [@raventhief](#): > > > [@Skypist](#): > > > > Plus the goal is to hobble Biden as much as possible. > > Sadly, the effect of that will likely be a higher death count. - That’s a risk he’s willing to take. ---
**Author:** ![Deeg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deeg/32/2955_2.png) [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6506 "2020-11-16T16:28:04Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Is this prolonged, useless, embarrassing tantrum on DJT’s part a sign of dementia? If so he’s had dementia for most of his life. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6507 "2020-11-16T16:37:06Z")
I think Thelma Lou’s question/point is whether the quality of his digging in is different from the past, and if so, whether this is an effect of dementia. This is an interesting question. He certainly feels more like my relatives with dementia who were coherent enough much of the time, but had repetitive, emotionally-laden responses to their grievances, and who could not be persuaded that they weren’t accurate. For example, “But grandpa, the kids did come and visit you this week.” “No, they didn’t. Nobody has visited me all year!” “Grandpa, I’m visiting you right now!” “Nobody visits me! It’s elder abuse!” ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6508 "2020-11-16T16:41:52Z")
I think it’s a sign of how much trouble he knows he’ll be in once he’s out of office. He should be delighted to leave and go back to his own life. Instead, he’s desperate. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6509 "2020-11-16T16:54:05Z")
I think Trump is in full command of his faculties; this is just brand-building. His persona going forward will be that he fought the rigged election and the corrupt Biden regime until he was physically dragged from the White House, and conceding anything would be detrimental to the image. This is all about feeding the base, more likely with an eye to viewership, less likely to a 2024 campaign. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6510 "2020-11-16T17:24:26Z")
> [@jsc1953](#): > > I think Trump is in full command of his faculties; Yes, but it does seem he’s lost a step or two with age. Just looking at interviews, he’s clearly not as sharp as he was in the 80s or 90s. Maybe not dementia but just normal cognitive decline. None of us are as sharp later in life as in our 20s. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6511 "2020-11-16T18:38:14Z")
It might be interesting if one of his SS detail snuck a smartphone along when he’s out on one of his golfing excursions, so we could check out his form. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6512 "2020-11-16T18:44:37Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > The fact that it’s necessary to do it this way when the country is in a state of crisis is – \< _loss for words_ …\> Fercockt might be the word you’re looking for. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6513 "2020-11-16T18:47:59Z")
This ^ Trump knows he’s facing a mountain of legal bills once he’s out of office, and while I don’t expect him to do quality time in jail, he’s not the only one facing potential imprisonment; he’s children have just as much exposure. Hell, Melania might even decide to divorce him, and then what? Not to mention, he has hundreds of millions in loans due within the next five years, and now he can’t use the government as his cash cow. He’s probably panicking. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6514 "2020-11-16T19:03:02Z")
> [@Deeg](#): > > If so he’s had dementia for most of his life. Not like this. > [@susan](#): > > I think Thelma Lou’s question/point is whether the quality of his digging in is different from the past, and if so, whether this is an effect of dementia. This is an interesting question. He certainly feels more like my relatives with dementia who were coherent enough much of the time, but had repetitive, emotionally-laden responses to their grievances, and who could not be persuaded that they weren’t accurate. …\ Thanks so much – you captured **exactly** what I was getting at. > [@jsc1953](#): > > I think Trump is in full command of his faculties… You really think that?? 😲 > [@](#): > > … this is just brand-building. And what’s the brand? [This?](https://imgur.com/a/fD1ttH0) ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6515 "2020-11-16T19:05:09Z")
> [@bobsmom101](#): > > - ETA: I think Mr Godwin will give me a pass on this: [Godwin's law - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%27s_law#:~:text=Godwin's%20law%20(or%20Godwin's%20rule,Nazis%20or%20Hitler%20approaches%201%22). According to this Wikipedia page, Mr. Godwin himself has indeed remarked on multiple occasions that T\*\*\*\* comparison to Hitler are within reason, and thus not examples of Godwin’s Law. He’s made such comparisons himself. ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6516 "2020-11-16T19:10:10Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > he’s children have just as much exposure. Any evidence that he’d sacrifice himself for his children? Maybe Ivanka, but even she would probably be sacrificed if it would save his ass even for a couple of days. ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6517 "2020-11-16T19:14:24Z")
The Republican Governor of Ohio called Biden “president-elect”. and Individual 1 went on Twitter looking for somebody to run against DeWine. ---
**Author:** ![Deeg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deeg/32/2955_2.png) [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6518 "2020-11-16T19:18:15Z")
Yeah, I was being somewhat glib but I don’t think we can diagnosis any long-term decline from his current actions. He’s in a position that he’s likely never been before: he’s going to be a very public loser and there’s no way he can salvage this like in the past. If this situation happened ten years ago I think the reactions would be much the same. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2020, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083/6519 "2020-11-16T19:23:35Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > And what’s the brand? [This?](https://imgur.com/a/fD1ttH0) Crazy Pants [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083.md?page=324) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making-part-deux-part-1/911083.md?page=326)