CSotD: The Wide World of Whatever
Ann Telnaes provokes a response of “Well, yes, but no …” I think I’m done wondering whether Trump is a deliberate liar or truly believes the preposterous nonsense he says.
In the past, I compared him to OJ Simpson and Jeffrey MacDonald, both of whom denied murders they most likely committed. I believe they were sincere, having convinced themselves of an alternative reality that was easier to accept.
While I am not qualified to psychoanalyze the president, I find it hard to believe he truly thinks he graduated from Wharton with honors, much less first in his class. However, I am willing to accept that he genuinely believes when refugees seek “asylum” it means they were previously confined to mental hospitals. I remain neutral regarding who he thinks pays tariffs.
What matters less to me is whether he considers a test for early dementia an intelligence test. I know the test’s purpose, and I have seen the video of him appearing confused in Japan. More concerning is that reporters who criticized Biden for signs of aging and confusion seem to give Trump a pass regarding his mental state.
To accuse him of deliberate lies assumes he can tell fact from fiction.
Author's summary: The author reflects on Trump’s truthfulness and mental state, highlighting inconsistent media scrutiny compared to other leaders and emphasizing uncertainty over his beliefs versus deliberate deceit.