I am not the biggest fan of former Governor Chris Christie. But even the least of us will do something right every now and then; and that is precisely what happened recently in an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” when he spoke about Donald Trump, and about what Christie called Trump’s “bad worldview.” Quite an understatement for one not in the habit of soft-pedaling his opinions.

Christie has thrown his hat into the ring in opposition to Trump (and others) for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, and would be expected to be less than complimentary in speaking about any of his opponents. But in this case, he avoided blatant name-calling, and instead reminded listeners of a few already-known facts. Disturbing ones . . .

Like Trump’s intention — should the country go totally batshit and reelect him in ‘24 — of doing exactly what the new GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson wants to do: divide U.S. aid to Israel and Ukraine, expedite a stand-alone bill for Israel, and postpone a decision on continuing aid to Ukraine pending a resolution on a reduced amount to be allotted. (My blog post of Oct. 30th expounds on that very subject.) Christie attributes Trump’s view on this to a desire to “coddle” Vladimir Putin; and considering Trump’s cozy history with the Russian dictator . . . er, president . . . Christie is probably right on target.

He goes on to explain — as have so many others — why Trump’s view on Ukraine is not just wrong, but treacherously so. Yet Trump continues to scream to the world, from his imaginary throne on Mount Olympus, that only he knows best. And he does so while in reality he sits — right here on lower Earth — in court, charged with numerous crimes and misdemeanors, including fomenting the January 6, 2021 insurrection in Washington . . . and while under a gag order to boot, which he has already violated, resulting in a court-ordered fine. The man just cannot shut up. Where most people would, by now, have sensed the inevitability of defeat, he just keeps fuming.

I’m not here to campaign for or against anyone; I don’t do that. I simply feel the need to express my frustration at the constant barrage of misinformation, disinformation (yes, there is a difference), anger, hatred, and outright stupidity spewing from this one individual’s little rosebud lips. But unfortunately, Trump is news, and we are stuck with him, at least for a while.

I suppose it wouldn’t be so bad if his rhetoric were at least benign. But his pronouncements — such as his promise to withdraw from NATO “when he is reelected” — are inherently dangerous. And no one knows that better, or is more anxious to take advantage of it, than Vladimir Putin. But what’s the solution? Can we plead with the press to stop writing about him? Nope; First Amendment. Do we lock him in a rubber room until 2025? Kidnapping. Whack him with one of his own golf clubs? Assault and battery. Ask Melania to . . . oh, yeah. Never mind.

It seemed hopeless until I discovered that Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes had already gotten it exactly right:

Now, who wants to hold him down while I wield the cork?

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/31/23