More of the usual 45* dickishness was on display, because he‘s not very good with self-deprecation (example: at CPAC, he tried to mock his hair but didn’t reveal his scalp even though he pantomimed doing so).
‘Nobody does self-deprecating humor better than I do’ - President Trump.
People who joke about self-deprecation aren’t being self-deprecating, which is the essence of Trumpian truth.
He also recycled a New York Times joke plus a few he’s told numerous times over the past two years. That’s the traditionalism of GOP humor.
The MSM’s preference for top joke seems to be aimed at Jared Kushner:
“We were late tonight because Jared could not get through security.” - President Trump.
The list of notable jokes indicates how the only real problem for Trump is the humiliation of his marriage… the rest is covering for the actual incompetence of the WH.
The remarks came at the annual event, which brings together the media and politicians with skits, songs, and speeches to make fun of representatives from both parties. As USA Today noted, Trump’s 32-minute speech was filled with cracks about his political opponents and personal enemies, including the New York Times.
But the conclusion of Trump’s speech drew controversy, as he made reference to wife Melania leaving him and bolting the White House.
- On White House turmoil: "It’s invigorating since you want turnover. I like chaos ... Who’s going to be the next to leave? Steve Miller, or Melania?"
- On his son-in-law Jared Kushner: "We were late tonight because Jared could not get through security."
- On Vice President Mike Pence: "He is one of the best straight men you're ever going to meet ... he is straight. Man." Trump also said, "I really am proud to call him the apprentice "
- On Attorney General Jeff Sessions: "I offered him a ride over and he recused himself. What are you going to do?"
- On The New York Times: "I'm a New York icon. You're a New York icon. And the only difference is I still own my buildings."
- On former chief strategist Steven Bannon: "That guy leaked more than the Titanic."
- On the first lady: Trump said he doesn't understand why everyone says freemelania. He said she's actually having a great time
Not known for his ability to take a joke or criticism well, Trump attended the 133rd anniversary of the bipartisan dinner hosted by the Gridiron Club and Foundation with Melania on Saturday. He was invited to the event last year but declined to attend. Instead, Mike Pence attended.
This year Trump attended the event along with Trump’s Cabinet, six senators, four House members, and presidential advisers and his sidekicks Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, according to a statement given to the Associated Press.
variety.com/...
Full transcript here: TPM
Sunday, Mar 4, 2018 · 8:35:23 PM +00:00 · annieli
More interesting is that given the writers of Trump’s material, as well as his favored media diet, when he combines an IQ attack with specific targets, it’s worth considering context (to reference Charles Murray and Black IQ testing is probably too meta- for 45*, but not for his writers).
This is hardly the first time that Trump has cited his reportedly sky-high IQ -- and the relatively low IQs of his political rivals -- to make a point or win an argument. In fact, it's one of his favorite pieces of rhetoric. Below are 22 times he's brandished his IQ as a political weapon. (Sidebar: What is Trump's actual IQ? We don't know. Here's a deep dive into what it might be.)
www.cnn.com/...