[South Korean President] Lee wore a custom made gold-coloured tie, which his office said “reflects President Trump’s taste for gold, captures the golden future of the South Korea-US alliance and the status of South Korea.”
It is striking and telling what world leaders have learned in terms of how to best butter up the President of the United States. It is also a profoundly negative commentary on said POTUS.
And sure, keep telling us that “No Kings” is just silly sloganeering.
Steven L. Taylor is a Professor Emeritus of Political Science and former College of Arts and Sciences Dean. His main areas of expertise include parties, elections, and the institutional design of democracies. His most recent book is the co-authored A Different Democracy: American Government in a 31-Country Perspective. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas and his BA from the University of California, Irvine. He has been blogging since 2003 (originally at the now defunct Poliblog).
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It is striking and telling what world leaders have learned in terms of how to best butter up the President of the United States. It is also a profoundly negative commentary on said POTUS.
Indeed. Commentary like this, that they’re doing this to manipulate Trump, is widespread. But he is either unaware of it or unembarrassed by it.
Unembarrassed. To him tribute is normal, even expected. How his followers aren’t outraged isn’t a big mystery.
Brought to mind the Rajneeshpuram situation in Oregon. His followers heard that he liked Rolls Royces so they kept buying him those things even though it left significantly less for themselves, and they eventually bought him nearly a 100 of them. When it fell apart there were several more on order too.
The force at work in his followers was the conflation of his happiness with their own. When Trump is happy his true fans feel joy. Cults are frightening and powerful things.
@JohnSF: Yes I like to think sly mockery was behind the gift. I can imagine government officials asking each other what would most impress their powerful man/child visitor. “How about a gold crown?” “Perfect!”
Nobody’s managed to come near two billion in crypto and a 747 yet, however, which is why the Gulf States will always be his most cherished vassal states.
So, a tiara would perhaps have been more appropriate?
Can’t wait for the leaks telling that he’s wearing it around the oval office.
@Sleeping Dog:
We need photos. Oh please, let there be photos.
Indeed. Commentary like this, that they’re doing this to manipulate Trump, is widespread. But he is either unaware of it or unembarrassed by it.
@gVOR10:
Unembarrassed. To him tribute is normal, even expected. How his followers aren’t outraged isn’t a big mystery.
Brought to mind the Rajneeshpuram situation in Oregon. His followers heard that he liked Rolls Royces so they kept buying him those things even though it left significantly less for themselves, and they eventually bought him nearly a 100 of them. When it fell apart there were several more on order too.
The force at work in his followers was the conflation of his happiness with their own. When Trump is happy his true fans feel joy. Cults are frightening and powerful things.
I have to wonder about the Korean sense of humour in this context.
@JohnSF: Yes I like to think sly mockery was behind the gift. I can imagine government officials asking each other what would most impress their powerful man/child visitor. “How about a gold crown?” “Perfect!”
Nobody’s managed to come near two billion in crypto and a 747 yet, however, which is why the Gulf States will always be his most cherished vassal states.
To be honest, I’ve always suspected that Trump is a closeted queen.
I keep thinking this says “A Clown for Trump.”
@CSK: Funny– I had that th0ught this morning and thought maybe I should have entitled it: “A Crown for the Clown”
@Steven L. Taylor:
Works for me.