I think speculation about Melania's absence does belong on DU

[jpak]

THIS IS NOT NORMAL

(repeat all-caps bold)

THIS IS NOT NORMAL

To not discuss and speculate about this, NORMALIZES it.

/rant

[ck4829]

1. Gossip and intrigue can be tools

A better tool for the people than the electoral clown college no doubt.

[jpak]

3. The FLOTUS has not been seen in public for a long time

The Trump "family" went to Camp David this weekend without the FLOTUS.

Something is terribly wrong here.

THIS IS NOT NORMAL

[MoonRiver]

4. They also went without the youngest child, Barron.

[PJMcK]

5. What is your suggestion?

What do you think should happen?

[jpak]

7. Melania needs to appear in public, smiling and waving.

Then it ends

[Salviati]

22. Or at least in a picture holding a copy of todays "Failing New York Times"

We demand proof of life!

[kimbutgar]

60. Yes

[Clarity2]

44. I think thats what shelly miscavige did

A lot of good that did her. Just sayin

[thucythucy]

92. She could use this opportunity

to give that press conference she promised during the campaign. You know, the one where she said she would answer any and all questions about whether or not she broke the law by working here without a green card.

Funny how that all slipped entirely out of the national discussion.

Just another example of IOKIYAR.

[malaise]

6. True and while I support the 'where is she' threads and the fun threads

I don't think it's a good idea to post X. Y & Z as if they were factual.
Speculation, satire or just plain fun are different than folks suggesting that they know what's happened to her.

[jpak]

8. Just the facts ma'am.

"Where were you on the night of May 2nd 2018"?

[malaise]

9. Perfect

[George II]

50. To be honest, it's a misnomer (and a mistake I've made) that Sgt. Friday said that. In fact...

...he never said it!

I went decades thinking that and just found out last year that he didn't.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Friday

[pangaia]

55. I dont care bout no damn facts. He said it. I heard him.. many times.. It's true.

[George II]

56. I distinctly heard him him say it dozens of times (in my youth) too. The way I found out...

...was in a case like this. Instead of a picture, I wanted to post a short video or sound bite of him saying it, couldn't find it. That's when I decided to look it up.

I was devastated!

[pangaia]

58. Fake info, i tell ya...

Don't believe everything ya read..

[Progressive dog]

90. Not an exact quote from Joe Friday

but

Jack Webb’s ‘Joe Friday’ character typically used the phrase “All we want are the facts, ma’am” (and sometimes “All we know are the facts ma’am”) when questioning women in the course of police investigations. Freberg’s “Little Blue Riding Hood” spoof changed the line slightly, and it was Freberg’s alteration — rather than anything Joe Friday said — that would enter the roll of immortal catch phrases:

pretty close.

[whopis01]

95. There are so many quotes like that

“Beam me up, Scotty”

“Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairsest of them all?”

“Play it again, Sam”

“We’re gonna need a bigger boat”

“If you build it, they will come”

“Me Tarzan, you Jane”


And that’s just a handful of them.

[DesertRat]

32. You'd think after being holed up in the WH

She and Barron would enjoy a relaxing weekend in the woods at Camp David.

[mythology]

51. Would you consider it relaxing to spend the weekend with Donald Trump?

I wouldn't.

[DesertRat]

82. No, of course not.

But I assume that there's plenty of wooded acreage there to be away from him and from media.

[Scarsdale]

98. Bot, it iz hard

to valk in heels in ze woods. Maybe she stepped into the sinkhole in the WH grounds?

[DesertRat]

119. Very possible

[Champion Jack]

2. I think Melanie Smith and her son "Barry"

deserve some privacy while they adjust to life in witness protection.

[orangecrush]

13. I think

[populistdriven]

28. I think shes hanging with Jonathan Oddi in his hospital room

The gunman shot at Trump hotel was a stripper and porn actor who loved Melania Trump

Updated May 21, 2018 05:28 PM

Less than a year ago, South Africa native Jonathan Oddi proudly posed behind a backdrop of an American flag, touting his new citizenship. "God bless the USA finally an American!" he wrote on Instagram.

On Friday morning, he unfurled the American flag inside the South Florida hotel owned by the nation's president, then got into a firefight and chase with police while ranting about Donald Trump, Barack Obama — and bizarrely, rap mogul P. Diddy, according to law enforcement.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/doral/article211409674.html

[orangecrush]

45. interesting.

[dixiegrrrrl]

39. you know......

That does address a lot of questions about location of her security detail, who one thinks has to be with her.

or...
divorce would explain seclusion.
In which case I hope Avenatti has a twin who is a lawyer......
....

[calimary]

64. I think she was "having some work done."

Plastic surgery patients often go “on vacation” to let the bruises, swelling, and the stretching heal. She just turned 48 (near the end of April) and is probably VERY conscious of what the passing of years does to the face - and other features. And he probably insists that she maintain herself as top-drawer arm candy.

[7962]

115. No way that would be kept secret. Tongues wag too easily these days.

I dont see why its a big deal until she misses something important.

[SergeStorms]

127. Her next husband....

is probably on her mind. There's not a doubt in my mind that they'll split with each other immediately after Trump isn't president anymore, for whatever reason. She seems like the type that would not wait for someone serving a prison term or twelve.

[flibbitygiblets]

114. OR, she was separated from her son by immigration when she applied for asylum?

..and then they just lost him.

[Major Nikon]

10. ...

[jpak]

11. I just spit reduced-for-quick-sale box wine down my shirt

[Ohiogal]

14. Me too the wine buzz that is.

[JoeOtterbein]

26. A tape of the Alien Abduction of Melania!

[link:http://www.itv.com/news/2018-06-02/flaming-meteor-lights-up-night-sky-above-china/|

[DoctorJoJo]

12. How About They Break Out the Body Double They Used Before?

[jpak]

15. Or Podpipo

[jalan48]

16. Podpipo are Republicans.

[jpak]

18. Maybe Trump has a bunch of pods waiting for his kids at Camp David.

[jalan48]

19. It looks like most of the Congressional Republicans have been captured already.

[jpak]

21. Yes - Mitch Mcconnell was seen entering Trump Tower - a Podpipo now

[jalan48]

33. Yep, he's definitely got that blank, Podpipo stare.

[FSogol]

38. Doesn't anyone remember Trumpy from the 1983 Z-movie "Pod People"

[MFM008]

87. Yup

A good one.

[Marie Marie]

63. Oooh I like that.

[shraby]

78. So are purpopipo.

[dixiegrrrrl]

42. That would explain why no one has emotions.

Explains that very well indeed. Esp. Kushner and Melanie...nary a smile.
Hmmmmmmmmm...

[dameatball]

89. That movie scared the crap outta me when I was a kid.

[handmade34]

17. of course it's not normal

but none of this (DT administration) is normal and there are more important people and things to worry about at this time... I truly hope she has taken her son and moved back home... she was just going to make a fool of herself by continuing her "BeBest" campaign

[mulsh]

20. I agree. I think she's either with the Obamas or up in Kenebunkport in one of the guest rooms.

One look at her pictures at the memorial service shows how relaxed and happy she is around regular, nice people.

[USALiberal]

23. I agree, does not matter at all and makes us look nutty! nt

[MoonRiver]

31. No, it does NOT make us look nutty.

It makes us look like normal people who notice someone has been missing for a long time. Wait, make that 2 people, because as far as I know Barron has not been seen either.

[USALiberal]

35. It does NOT matter at all and who cares? Like Vince Foster BS. nt

[NYC Liberal]

85. Wherever she is and whatever she is doing, it's on the taxpayers' dime.

So I personally do care. Especially if she is here in New York and costing me even more with the added NYPD detail.

[USALiberal]

88. There are 1000s of gov people on your dime, and none of your business about their personal life. nt

[NYC Liberal]

112. When they're getting tens of millions of dollars worth of

security details, then it is my business.

[USALiberal]

122. LOL, not at all. nt

[7962]

116. If she was in NYC, someone would say so. And security would be obvious. nt

[More_Cowbell]

132. It matters. And I care.

I'm interested to know if we taxpayers are again supporting separate households for no reason that's been shared with us. I'm interested in what could have happened to Melania that "never met an excuse he wouldn't use" Trump isn't trying to get sympathy for. I worry when a person who's physically close to a known domestic abuser suddenly disappears.

And luckily, DU is a place where we can talk about what interests us.

[USALiberal]

133. 1000s of people are taxpayer supported, their private life is not your business. nt

[More_Cowbell]

134. Luckily, you're not the arbiter of what's my business

So I'll continue to care about and post whatever I want to about Melania's absence.

[USALiberal]

136. Good idea, waste time on something that matters NOT AT ALL! nt

[blue cat]

36. Like they sit around and worry about that...

The Dems don’t need to bring a covered dish to this gun fight!
(Stolen from Bill Maher).

[dlk]

24. Perhaps, However When the First Lady Goes MIA for Nearly a Month, Something is Wrong

[kimbutgar]

25. And why doesn't her husband appear to be concerned about his wife?

You’d think he would mention if she’s getting better and show his worry about her health. That’s what normal spouses do.

[USALiberal]

37. Maybe she wanted privacy! Which would be 100% normal! nt

[wendyb]

41. too bad

She doesn't have that luxury. Hate to whataboutism..but if Michelle Obama had disappeared for a month..imagine the fallout. I don't feel at all sorry for her. She made a deal with the devil. And I really, really mean the devil.

[USALiberal]

43. LOL, I agree if Michelle went missing the GOPers would make up all sort of shit! Hmmmm. Get it now?

[AnotherMother4Peace]

93. Except that Michelle wouldn't have gone missing. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. She's done being humiliated.

[USALiberal]

107. You have NO IDEA why she is not appearing in public. And none of our business. nt

[AnotherMother4Peace]

121. Speak for yourself, 'cause I wouldn't want you looking nutty.

[More_Cowbell]

135. I think it's too late for that :-)

Eight "it's no one's business" posts and counting!

[JI7]

52. There is nothing normal about him and i don't think he would be concerned

Even if it really was a serious health matter.

[7962]

117. "thats what normal spouses do". You answered your own question!!! nt

[mountain grammy]

27. Agree.. every bizarro thing about this shit show needs

to be talked about endlessly or it's not really happening. Fascism right before our eyes, the first lady drops out of sight, and we're supposed to be polite and ignore it all...I don't think so.

[blue cat]

29. I think that we should make it into a guessing game

Because we are going to find out eventually, in time.

[Cryptoad]

30. If Aliens....

abducted her it was an act of Mercy!

[blue cat]

34. We should shout it from the tree tops!!!

What, are we going to play all nice again, as if they would not be hounding our First Lady? Screw that...I’m hoping for all kinds of memes and jokes to rub it in the face that this is not normal, not for one minute.

[Autumn]

40. It's not normal and there isn't any reason it shouldn't be discussed here

on DU' a message board created to discuss issues.

[Duppers]

46. Trival Distraction & Major Waste of Time

He probably hit her. Bruises take awhile to fade.

[guillaumeb]

47. Very concise, very on point. Recommended. eom

[NurseJackie]

48. Maybe they sent her back to Real Doll dot com for a tuneup?

[SCantiGOP]

49. You can read all about it

While you’re in the line at the grocery store.

[pbmus]

53. On a discussion blog, I will discuss anything I want....

Without breaking blog rules....

And any of the self righteous on this blog will be fully ignored....

[MontanaMama]

54. +1

Yeah. They’re not the boss of us....😏

[USALiberal]

57. So will silly posts! nt

[NanceGreggs]

59. There's nothing wrong with speculation.

What IS wrong – and should be deemed inappropriate for DU – is profferring speculation that has absolutely no basis in fact and discussing it as though it were.

There is no evidence that Trump physically abused Melania, and that she is MIA because she’s waiting for the bruises to heal.

Some may find speculation as to whether Melania is recovering from cosmetic surgery amusing, but it still amounts to the same thing: it doesn’t matter. A possible facelift or nip-and-tuck has no impact on the citizenry whatsoever, nor does it affect her husband’s political policies – which are a much greater threat to our nation than Melania’s physical appearance.

Too many posts on this topic have ventured into “some people are saying” territory – an area that FOX-News created, and literally lives in on a daily basis.

Are there things going on that we don’t know about? Absolutely. Are we curious as to what those behind-the-scenes things are? You’re damned real we are. And speculating what those things are is a natural reaction, and we’ve a right to do so.

That being said, when speculation and curiosity devolve into baseless comments that Melania was physically beaten, that she’s been removed by the SS who witnessed her physical abuse and are covering-up for the “pResident”, that she’s being held hostage by the powers-that-be who are determined to silence her, et cetera, it becomes the same type of “speculation” that certain people engaged in (like those on JPR and other RW sites) about how Hillary was absent from a number of 2016 campaign events because she was suffering from dementia, seizures, and symptoms of the dozen or so fatal ailments she was allegedly suffering from.

I really don’t see much difference between “HRC is dying of ____” (insert disease here) and “Melania is missing because ____” (insert wild, off-the-wall theory here).

There is much to speculate on right now, Melania’s absence being one of them, and the gathering of Trump family members to Camp David this weekend being another. But when DU becomes a platform for promulgating inane conspiracy theories, we become everything we have collectively and vehemently abhorred.

[pbmus]

62. Informed speculation is a part of our lives...sometimes we listen to it on msnbc...

This morning, first lady Melania Trump underwent an embolization procedure to treat a benign kidney condition. The procedure was successful, and there were no complications," the first lady's communications director, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement

Q: What is involved in an embolization?

A: That is a general term for a procedure that blocks blood flow to a problem area of the body. In the case of a kidney abnormality, doctors would typically thread a thin tube through a blood vessel, often starting in the groin, and inject a substance to cut off blood flow to the benign tumor or malformation. The idea is to stop or prevent bleeding or other symptoms and to shrink the abnormality or at least stop it from growing.

Q: How are such kidney abnormalities found?

A: Most are found during imaging tests – MRIs, CT scans or X-rays – done for other reasons. But some people have symptoms, such as pain in the flank or blood in the urine, when a benign tumor becomes quite large, leading their doctors to order testing. Blood vessel abnormalities in the kidneys also can cause high blood pressure.

Q: Is it unusual to stay in the hospital for several days after such procedure?

A: Cases differ. Most embolization procedures do not require several days of hospitalization, and many people go home the same day. But in some cases, patients do stay for a night or longer to be observed for problems that can develop such as nausea, vomiting and pain, especially if a fairly large mass was treated. Follow-up imaging also may be done.

[NanceGreggs]

67. "Informed speculation" ...

... is one thing. "Uninformed speculation" pulled out of one's ass is another.

[pbmus]

68. My speculation was from my own kidney surgery done in 1972....

Last edited Sat Jun 2, 2018, 11:50 PM - Edit history (1)

Had migraines, blood in urine, and big fatigue...

My wife is a nurse and has had many kidney patients...we had an informed discussion on Melanie’s issues ....

I do not spread bs on this blog....like some others....

Also, I am not a court reporter, an honorable however hectic career.....I am just a Doctor...also a hectic career choice....

[kcr]

69. It isn't baseless. Trump has a history of being abusive.

He ripped chunks out of Ivanas hair. She claimed in a court of law that he raped her. His current wife in a highly public role hasn't been seen for 23 days now. This isn't baseless speculation. This is a red flag. Keep in mind this is a man who has lied about and covered up all kinds of nefarious behavior. I don't get the finger-wagging and scolding quite frankly. I'm used to the water carrying for him from the right. I'm kind of surprised to see where it's coming from on this one.

[NanceGreggs]

71. Having been a court reporter ...

... for over thirty years, I was on many, MANY divorce cases - and allegations leveled by one spouse against the other are par for the course, believable or otherwise.

Ivana later retracted her accusations, as many spouses (male and female alike) do after-the-fact.

If you think that requiring actual facts, rather than wild speculation, is a sign of "carrying water", you might want to reconsider your position.

It's the right-wingers who accept everything without facts that we're fighting against. Becoming them and following the example is not who we are.

[kcr]

72. Pussy grabber was caught on tape, Court Reporter.

But otherwise, I'm sure that the man who hired a lawyer like Cohen and colluded with Russia is a big ol' Teddy bear! I'm sure you're right.

[7962]

120. Its easy to be accused of being a "water carrier" around here. Even with 23000+ posts!!

Even the appearance of objectivity is seen by some as "caving" or some other such nonsense.
My stalker will likely be along shortly to prove my point

Your point is correct; the other side jumps on speculation like a hyena on a baby. No concern for facts.

[OnyxSharpie]

79. I do not believe that JPR is a RW site...

I’ve heard a lot about JPR here, and I have checked it out myself. They seem to have no love for Trump there, from what I can tell. Also I notice that Omaha Steve, who has a labor group here on DU named after him, also has a room there called “The Wizard Room.” Seems strange that he would have a place on both this forum and that one if it was RW. I was just thinking about signing up as a member, actually.

[NanceGreggs]

81. By all means ...

... sign up!!! You sound like just the kind of person they look for.

You might want to check out their discussion threads during the 2016 campaigns. You'll be hard-pressed to find a now-confirmed-to-be Russian-initiated lie that wasn't accepted as the gospel truth.

When you embrace and disseminate RW talking points, you're a RW site. The only people who have a problem understanding that concept are the people who post there.

[OnyxSharpie]

86. Well, I don't know what it was like there in 2016

But then again, I don’t know what this site looked like either. I’m sure they were both pretty crazy though. But I’m just basing my opinion on what I see now - both DU and JPR appear to be pretty much left-of-center.

[orangecrush]

123. I second your comment.

[stonecutter357]

108. JPR is a RW/ Russian site !

[snort]

61. She hit it up with Bat Boy.

Baby due!

[UTUSN]

65. R#48 & K

[Marie Marie]

66. No speculation here - just some hope that

she finally decided that self-respect was more important than money and she left his saggy ass. Anything that adds to his woes and humiliation is fine by me.

[kcr]

70. Hearty rec from me. The oh-so-reasonable scolds here are getting too used to him.

Our media is no help. Never forget who this Russia colluding, hair chunks ripping, porn star cheating with, pussy grabbing rapist is. FLOTUS who is married to this piece of shit hasn't been seen for almost a month. Not questioning this as if it's normal is crazy pills.

[greatauntoftriplets]

73. Four weeks ago Monday,

they announced Melodrama's "Be Best" with great hoopla. Since then, we've heard nothing about it. No plans have been announced, no staff named to carry out the initiative.

At the very least, she could tweet out something about how she's working on this. Or someone could. Instead, the whole thing seems to have died a premature death. I realize it was her second announcement of a similar initiative, but shut up about it or actually do something.

I find it very strange.

[Totally Tunsie]

104. Yes - there was no substantive information given at the roll-out, and nothing since.

That entire campaign just seemed to be hastily thrown together as nothing more than a cause for Melania to appear to be managing something...anything. "Busy work" - nothing more. What the hell is "Be Best" anyway?

[lunasun]

74. Always being told if you see something odd - say something

Something is odd about her 1 day surgery and no info given about flotus except she is in the WH window looking at reporters and tweeting she is working overtime but can't be seen in public now

[Cha]

75. Trevor Noah on the Missing Melania

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1017494945

[OnDoutside]

76. Odd in that there's nothing coming from the leakiest WH ....EVER.

[Beatlelvr]

77. Melania Doesn't want to be First Lady

Hi. First time here. I think when she married Donny she thought she didn't have to work anymore. First Ladies work! It's a hard job, time consuming, lots of planning and juggling of schedules. She's just not up to it. Maybe she just wants to retreat and stay out of the public eye.

And by the way, have you noticed the only subject First Ladies are allowed to champion are "children's issues"?

[MoonRiver]

91. Does baby have the signature Trump Puffer Fish mouth?

If not, we'll know s/he is not Chumpy's.

?itok=2zPzSCZL&resize=1100x619

[underpants]

103. Welcome to DU

[uppityperson]

106. They have had many different causes, not just children's issues, though those are very important.

Wiki :
Over the course of the 20th century, it became increasingly common for first ladies to select specific causes to promote, usually ones that are not politically divisive. It is common for the First Lady to hire a staff to support these activities. Lady Bird Johnson pioneered environmental protection and beautification.[11] Pat Nixon encouraged volunteerism and traveled extensively abroad; Betty Ford supported women's rights; Rosalynn Carter aided those with mental disabilities; Nancy Reagan founded the Just Say No drug awareness campaign; Barbara Bush promoted literacy; Hillary Clinton sought to reform the healthcare system in the U.S.; Laura Bush supported women's rights groups, and encouraged childhood literacy.[6] Michelle Obama became identified with supporting military families and tackling childhood obesity;[12] and Melania Trump has stated that she wants to use her position to help children, including prevention of cyberbullying and supporting children whose lives are affected by drugs.[13]


https://www.thestreet.com/slideshow/14482238/1/first-ladies-of-the-united-states-and-their-causes.html

[Lint Head]

80. It's supposed to be a secret. Don't tell anyone but.

Alex Jone's even crazier evil twin said that she was pregnant with Stephen Miller's baby. And that she didn't show because Stephen Miller is such a tiny little asshole weasel.

[Bluesaph]

83. She was his handler

She’s now found an escape hatch back to Putin and too Barry with her.

[Bluesaph]

84. She was also the leaker

Think about it.

[workinclasszero]

94. If Michelle had disappeared for months would it have been discussed on DU?

Last edited Sun Jun 3, 2018, 01:15 PM - Edit history (1)

Of course, endlessly.

So why should the present First Lady get a pass?

[VOX]

131. Absolutely. If Michelle had pulled this, Republicans would call for a sustained public inquiry.

They'd be screaming, "The American people deserve to know!"

First Ladies, as non-elected public figures, are not obligated to disclose their whereabouts. However, they simply do not vanish for extended periods of time without being noticed. They have direct access to the president in private. If something's going on with Melania that impacts 45's emotional instability (what doesn't?), it portends some very negative consequences.

[dlk]

96. When the First Lady Goes MIA for Nearly a Month, It is a Legitimate Cause for Concern

Especially when she is married to a powerful man with a long history of rage attacks.

[underpants]

102. I don't think people are going to buy an "Appalachian trail walk" story with her

[salin]

110. Esp not with her Houston Hurrican footwear.

Maybe she's testing her self-control by lava (instead of hot coals) walking... it might be easier than being married to Trump.

[Demovictory9]

97. I think it does

[heaven05]

99. I agree

what is the deal donny boy? Did you hit her in the kidneys? Did you bruise her up while beating her? Did she have a psychotic or emotional incident(break) because of your stupidity and ignorance getting her into a HUGE MESS SHE NEVER WANTED? it belongs here just because it is about the 1st family

[rocktivity]

100. Let's not overlook her recent medical procedure

You don't just hop out bed after a kidney procedure -- we don't know exactly how serious it was. But if she's not well enough to travel, she's certainly not well enough to be in full charge of a 12-year-old.


rocktivity

[Me.]

101. I Do Too

Because I believe that as far as she's concerned we are being fed another big fat lie and that needs to be exposed. In a week it will be a month.

[bitterross]

105. Lets start the rumor she's with David Miscavage's wife.

In case you don't know who that is, Miscavage is the head of the Church of Scientology. His wife has been out of the public for years.

https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/where-is-shelly-miscavige-147734

Their internet search bots are probably crawling this site and will be doing a hit on me just for posting this.

[salin]

111. The New York Daily news did a snark piece that refered to Miscavage

and his 11 yr missing wife in light of the missing Melania.

[Honeycombe8]

109. Well, she just got out of the hospital. I would guess she has to take it easy for a while.

Whatever she had done...maybe surgery? That would require some weeks of bedrest to heal, stitches and all. But it's clear they are keeping what's wrong with her under wraps.

Cancer? Hysterectomy? They said kidneys, but since when don't they lie?

[samnsara]

113. im waiting for Wheres Melania memes to show up...

...peering from the window seat of a plane....among a crowd on the Eiffel tower...on the back of a Harley with PBO....

[nini]

118. The speculation is what is out of control and I agree with MineralMan on that

Wondering is one thing but no need to fuel wild conspiracy theories either.

[jimlup]

124. I worry for Melania

she is very much a victim of the Trump shit storm same as we all are.

I hope she is alright

[ck4829]

125. Kick

[greymattermom]

126. When she returned to the white house

was she seen exiting a vehicle? Walking on her own? Was she actually seen returning to the white house at all?

[ginnyinWI]

128. Well how long does it take to recover from a black eye or a split lip?

He has a history of violence toward wives.

[malaise]

129. From The Guardian - Missing Melania Trump barely makes news - things are getting weirder

https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2018/jun/02/missing-melania-trump-barely-makes-news-things-are-getting-weirder
<snip>
We’re so used to bizarre behavior from the Trump administration that a missing first lady barely registers as strange

I am not one for conspiracy theories, and so I don’t find the guesses flying around the lefty internet about Melania Trump’s whereabouts particularly convincing. But I am very interested in double standards – and I find it hard to believe that if Michelle Obama disappeared from the public eye for nearly a month that there wouldn’t be some sort of sustained public inquiry.

It’s fun to imagine that Melania – who has been memed endlessly because of her apparent distaste for the president – has finally flown the coop and left her notoriously misogynist husband. And who knows, maybe she has.

But the reasons behind her lack of public appearances are less interesting to me than the fact that we’re so used to bizarre and out-of-bounds behavior from this administration that something like a missing first lady barely makes the grade for news coverage.

[jpak]

130. America lost its mind over the Runaway Bride in the Bush administration

Melania?

yawn

[More_Cowbell]

137. Proof of life!

The WH is saying she'll appear with Gold Star families tomorrow. At an event that's closed to the press.

[7962]

138. CNBC reporter Eamon Javers says he saw her with aides at WH Wednesday.

Hes been with the network a long time & its not some whack network, so I see no reason to doubt him