E.J. Dionne, is shocked, shocked to find that Donald Trump uses bad language.
In a new op-ed, Dionne castigates the Prez for his “breathtaking contempt for policymaking” because he “used a barnyard epithet to deride the serious and thoughtful policy questions put to him by a group of House Republicans.”
Well!
As soon as I stopped laughing about the GOP’s “serious and thoughtful policy questions” I began to wonder whether any previous Commanders-in-Chief ever stooped to (gasp) vulgarity. Turns out it’s pretty much all of them.
*"In a discussion about Cyprus in 1965, Johnson reportedly told Greek Ambassador Alexandros Matsas, “f— your parliament and your constitution.”
He continued: “America is an elephant. Cyprus is a flea. Greece is a flea. If these two fellows continue itching the elephant, they may just get whacked by the elephant’s trunk, whacked good.”*
But, I don’t think the modern faux outrage over things that people in the media spotlight say and do, is solely focused on Trump. I think it’s out of control both ways and all over the place. One could list example after example, but what good would it do.
You are missing a very big difference between Trump and all the others. Trump uses crude language constantly, including in formal speeches and while making policy statements. The others used it either behind closed doors, or in particular situations where it was not necessary to give consideration to international concerns and law.
It’s a bit like saying that because everyone has to move their bowels regularly, that we should tolerate someone who drops trow in the middle of the banquet, and does so on the table.
“President Obama wants to kick some ass. During a June 8 (2010) interview with Matt Lauer on the Today show, Obama said he had been talking to experts about the BP oil spill so he could learn enough information to find out “whose ass to kick.” The comment wasn’t particularly vulgar — we’ve heard worse from Vice President Joe Biden — but coarse language always seems shocking when it comes from the mouth of a President…And Vice President Dick Cheney knew others could hear him when he shouted “Go f___ yourself” to Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy on the Senate floor. (Of that incident, Cheney later said, “It was sort of the best thing I ever did.”)”
It’s always amusing to hear people’s expectations about a President.
President’s are normal people that obtained a unique job. They still retain the normal mannerisms of everyday people. They get angry, curse, and even take a dump in the White House.
No President could ever be any more vulgar then Johnson. The guy with a nickname for his, err Johnson. The guy that delighted in grossing out Robert Kennedy by holding meetings in the bathroom while he crapped.
It’s amazing how desperate people are to attack Trump. Highlighting every personal move he makes. When in many cases it’s no different then previous Presidents.
I can understand attacking him on his political views. But his personal management style is his business. Not mine.
Part of Trump’s vulgarity is a total ignorance of decorum. In his opening remarks to the national prayer breakfast he said, “I don’t know if you’re a Democrat or Republican, but I’m appointing you for another term. The hell with it.” Know your audience, come on.
The guy that delighted in grossing out Robert Kennedy by holding meetings in the bathroom while he crapped.