So, as long as we are talking about what Donald said to Bob Woodward about downplaying the virus, let’s talk about something else he said.
Donald Trump told Woodward that he did not feel he had any responsibility to understand the black experience in America. As a private citizen, Trump could get away with making that statement. It would still be quite an uncaring and glaringly shitty statement, but it would be his right.
However, as President of the United States of America, it is absolutely his responsibility to at least attempt to understand the experiences of every American he purports to represent. But, that is the rub, now isn’t it. Trump has spent his entire term in office making sure we all understand that the only Americans he supports are the ones who voted for him and continue to openly support him. All other Americans fall into the “them” category: us or them. I am one of the ubiquitous them.
Not only did Trump not feel any responsibility, but he also accused Woodward of having “drunk the Koolaid.” For those living under a rock, this is a reference to the Jonestown Massacre, where followers of Reverend Jim Jones were murdered/ committed suicide by drinking poisoned Koolaid (it was actually Flavor Aid). To quote the POTUS, “You really drank the Kool-Aid, didn’t you? Just listen to you. Wow. No, I don’t feel that at all.” His voice was described as mocking.
Trump admitted that there is institutional racism in the USA, but, went further by explaining that it is everywhere and is not as bad here. As well, he showed no inclination towards compassion for those who suffer from it, by stating that it is unfortunate that it impacts people’s lives. He then went back to his tired trope of feeling that, in his eyes, he has done more for the African-American community than any President since Lincoln. To emphasize his belief that life is transactional, he was upset at the lack of appreciation.
Trump then insulted the intelligence of his predecessor, Barack Obama.
Trump lives in a strange bubble of his own mind, which is then propped up by the toadies who surround him. It is time to pop that bubble.