We've seen it over and over again:
1) Reporter asks Trump a question, and uses the deferential tone normally reserved for a Dickens character meeting the Queen. "Beggin' your pardon, your majesty (bows), I am but a humble chimney sweep and fish monger not worthy of breathing the same air as you (bows again), but might I please, please pretty please ask a question?" (already bowing, so bows lower)
2) Trump responds with vitriol, insults, and blatant lies, and doesn't answer the question.
3) Reporter either doesn't follow up, or does so meekly, using turbocharged euphemisms. "Your majesty, you said the Earth is flat, which is a 'difference of opinion' from some scientists…")
And it goes on, critical questions are avoided altogether, and Trump gets away with ignoring reality once again. And his supporters love it, because it makes him look strong — not that hard, when your opponent doesn't fight back.
Too many reporters are still using the old rules, treating Trump as if he were a normal president, deserving respect. But he's not.
He's a dick. A free-range dick, going wherever he wants on the truth and subject spectrums. And he gets away with it because we're supposed to be polite and deferential to the president.
The only way to get a real answer from Trump is to aggressively call him out on his bullshit in real time, and, if necessary, to be a dick right back:
We get that it's incredibly hard to be a reporter dealing with Trump, and big kudos to those trying to get the truth, risking the wrath of him and his supporters.
But the old way is no longer working, and it's time to take a new approach.
Add your name: Tell Reporters to Stop Kissing Trump's Ass, and Demand He Answer Tough Questions
