Over the weekend, President Donald Trump took Air Force One down to Florida where he flew over the Daytona International Speedway and then took two laps around the track in the “Beast.”
Elon Musk was a fan.
(Sidebar: Musk, king of cutting government waste, was apparently unbothered by the hefty price tag of Trump’s visit.)
Watching it all, I was reminded of my favorite Trump quote ever: “The show is Trump — and it’s sold-out performances everywhere.”
Trump said that all the way back in 1990 (to Playboy magazine!). But it, I think, reveals exactly how he thinks about the presidency.
Remember that Trump’s most formative experience prior to coming into politics was reality TV. Yes, he was the star of “The Apprentice.” But he was also an executive producer.
And that’s the role he sees himself playing in the White House — star and executive producer of the world’s most-watched reality show.
Trump views every day he is president as a new episode of the show. And he tries to create images and storylines designed to keep people watching.
Like doing a fly-over of Daytona! And then taking a few laps in the presidential limo! Amazing visuals! Kicking ass! Taking names!
You can like this. You can hate it. But you absolutely should understand that Trump at the Super Bowl or Trump at Daytona is entirely an outgrowth of his desire to make compelling episodes of the reality show he believes he is both producing and starring in.
The show is Trump, people.
This is a FREE post. But all of this only works if you are willing to invest in independent journalism. Which is why I hope today is the day you become a paid subscriber to this newsletter. It’s $6 a month or $60 for the year.
Share this post