“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
In a recent interview, Trump was asked, “Don’t you need to uphold the Constitution of the United States as president?”
He answered, “I don’t know … I have brilliant lawyers that work for me.” (It would have saved us all a little head scratching if he had appended that statement to the oath, when the crown was placed on his head.)
On another occasion, when asked if he agreed that citizens and noncitizens alike are entitled under the Constitution to due process, he gave a similar reply: “I don’t know. I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know.”
Now we are given two choices in how to interpret these answers.
Isn’t it a tad out of character that the man who has continually claimed that “nobody knows more” than himself can actually have a candid, humble and honest moment and say “I don’t know?”
Maybe not: E. Jean Carroll?
“I don’t know her, I never met her: I have no idea who she is.” (Note to Mr. “Love ‘em and leave ‘em”: She’s the woman you owe $83 million to.)
With other countless examples in a similar vein, it is a great possibility that he may actually have some sort of genuine condition that vacates his memory of unessential data from time to time. Unfortunately, he may be “unknowingly” damaging his reputation by actually telling the truth.
Maybe we can save him from this fate by considering another possibility that is more flattering. It could be that our president is just a sophisticated comedian who is misunderstood by the masses.
We have very much evidence in this direction.
“Before I even arrive at the Oval Office, shortly after I win the presidency, I will have the disastrous war between Russia and Ukraine settled.” A later confession reveals all, for the dullards among us, “I was joking!”
“I will tell you this: Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing.” Later: “I made the statement in jest and sarcastically, as was apparent to any objective observer.”
“ISIS is honoring President Obama …. He is the founder of ISIS. He is the founder of ISIS, OK? He is the founder. He founded ISIS. And I would say the cofounder would be crooked Hillary Clinton.” Later: Press Secretary Sarah Sanders: “Clearly the president was making a joke.”
Referring to his posting a portrait of himself as the new pope, in true Christian humility he announces: “I had nothing to do with it … ‘Somebody’ did it in fun. It’s fine. Have to have a little fun … They can’t take a joke.”
I’m sure you’ll find that many Americans do have a sense of humor. But we’re more conversant with a much lower form, even below pie throwing, during the 2016 campaign.
Dennis Shain
Centralia
