Trump is a skilled showman. But don't assume Americans are mesmerized by the show.

[DonViejo]

By Paul Waldman January 12 at 1:17 PM

Donald Trump’s press conference yesterday was pretty much what you would have expected if you had watched him as a candidate. It was angry, petty, vindictive, and full of falsehoods, from the moment he took the stage and asserted that “This is very familiar territory — news conferences — because we used to give them on an almost daily basis” (no, he didn’t).

There was ample reason for those skeptical of Trump and the journalists charged with reporting on his presidency to be frustrated and even infuriated by what they saw. But one common reaction — dismay that he gets away with this stuff — may be less warranted than you think.

There’s a dangerous assumption going around Washington and the rest of the country, which says that Trump is such a charismatic showman that the American people will swallow whatever tripe he pours down their gullets. But there’s little reason to think it’s true.

It may be natural to come to that conclusion when you watch an event like that one, particularly since Trump and his staff work hard to create the impression of support — at the press conference, a group of staff stood to the side cheering his every witty bon mot, not usually a feature of press conferences. And the reporters in attendance certainly didn’t get the answers they wanted. In addition to berating and shouting down CNN’s Jim Acosta when he tried to ask a question, Trump took only a few questions, including one from Breitbart.

So afterward, Gabriel Sherman of New York magazine wrote: “Judged on a policy basis, it was a disaster…But observed as spectacle, Trump came away with a resounding victory.” McKay Coppins of The Atlantic concluded, “At the dawn of the Trump presidency, America’s political press corps is feeling anxious, territorial, threatened—and the president-elect showed Wednesday that he’s ready to take advantage.”

more
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2017/01/12/trump-is-a-skilled-showman-but-dont-assume-americans-are-mesmerized-by-the-show/?utm_term=.3b5ff011df07&wpisrc=nl_popns&wpmm=1

[Wellstone ruled]

1. Great piece.

People here on DU already knew this Guy was all show and no go. On the Farm,we call people like Trump Bullshit Artist.

[2naSalit]

2. shoot...

out here we just pen 'em off over yonder near the gravel pit and wait for the inevitable... way over there.

[Loge23]

3. Skilled, in a Mr. Haney sort of way

What moron would come to his first so-called Presidential presser with a table full of unmarked manila folders, presumably containing blank pieces of paper??
..and we're supposed to believe that these folders actually contained documents pertaining to the alleged handover of his business interests to his kids??
KO has said it before, this nitwit will eventually be undone by his own idiocy. Why do you think his kids are always around him? They know he's a walking talking basket case.

[Johonny]

4. I dont think it is easy to argue against this

Even people that voted for him are afraid to claim support for him or more to the point appear to have disliked him but saw him as a protest vote.

It isn't clear how long the GOP congress will feel the need (do they now?) to appease him when his ratings remain stuck at 38 to 42 %. When you're not popular you're start to be more important to oppose than support for many of these congressmen.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

5. I guess it's a matter of opinion, but I unequivocally cannot comprehend this perception

of Trump as a charismatic showman.

There’s a dangerous assumption going around Washington and the rest of the country, which says that Trump is such a charismatic showman that the American people will swallow whatever tripe he pours down their gullets.

charismatic
exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others.

showman
a person skilled in dramatic or entertaining presentation, performance, or publicity.

charming
pleasant or attractive
synonyms: delightful, pleasing, pleasant, agreeable, likable, endearing, lovely, lovable, adorable, appealing

entertaining
providing amusement or enjoyment

Trump has always struck me as a crass, narcissistic, bully. Nothing the least bit charming or entertaining about that.

[tinrobot]

6. In Hollywood, we call that "Jumping the Shark"

His ratings are going to tank if he keeps this schtick going...

[renate]

7. I don't get it... doesn't he need the press?

Before the election, they couldn't really fact-check him because they'd be accused of being partisan. But I don't see how alienating and pissing off the MSM helps him in the long run. Not everyone reads Breitbart.