5 Things To Expect From President Trump Live-Tweeting The Democratic Debates
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
When the top 20 Democratic presidential candidates trade jabs during the first set of their primary debates on June 26 and June 27, they’ll have more to worry about than a fellow contender landing a knock-out punch—at least if the Wall Street Journal is correct that President Donald Trump will live-tweet the event.
The harm the Democrats will inflict on each other when they square off in two groups of ten on back-to-back nights at NBC News is minor compared to the devastation the president can wreak in 280 characters by distracting the media and redirecting the focus to his narrative. If the past is any predictor, here’s what we can expect.
1. Coining New Nicknames
Trump’s penchant for nicknames is so prolific that there is an entire Wikipedia page summarizing the various monikers he has bestowed on politicians and media personalities. Trump has already christened several of the Democrats vying for the presidential nomination with names meant to both irritate the individual and educate the public, as well as send the media down a rabbit hole of epic proportions.
The president’s nickname for Sen. Elizabeth Warren proves the point. Calling the Massachusetts senator “Pocahontas” forces the media to repeatedly report the genesis of the pet name: Warren’s unfounded claim of Native-American ancestry for the apparent reason of gaming the affirmative action hiring practices of the modern university.
The nickname also unnerves Warren, so much so that she resorted to releasing a 23 and Me genetic analysis to “prove” her claimed Native-American ancestry and taping an entire video segment of her DNA reveal. Not only did the press report the “story” of Warren’s supposed proof of her Native-American bona fides, they even asked the president—the president of the United States—about it. “Who cares,” Trump scoffed, leaving a confused media in his wake.
Then, by week’s end, Warren’s attempt to shut down debate over the “scandal” brewing since 2012 when opponent Scott Brown first exposed her duplicity, blew up in her face when the Boston Globe was forced to correct its coverage . “Warren’s genetic ancestry was based not on Native American DNA, but on Mexican, Peruvian, and Colombian DNA,” the newspaper was forced to admit, and tests showed only a 1/64 to 1/1024 heritage—possibly lower than “the average European-American” in actual Native American DNA.
In addition to Pocahontas, Trump has already branded several other Democratic presidential candidates. There’s Sleep Creepy Joe for former vice president Joe Biden, High-Tax Andrew Cuomo for the New York governor, Lightweight Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Alfred E. Neuman for South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg.
Who’s next in line and what catch-phrase Trump will choose is as unpredictable as it is predictable that he will add one or more to his repertoire and the candidate and the media will respond as intended—dedicating a news cycle to non-news injected with a quick tweet.
2. Saying the Shocking
Equally predictable? That Trump will tweet something shocking, whether it be un-P.C., outright rude, or just bluntly speaking a truth the mainstream media refuses to report or covers only tentatively.
The ripest candidate for this approach is Kamala Harris, given her affair with the married former mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, because sex sells and highlighting the press’ double standard motivates the MAGA movement. There has been some coverage of Harris’s relationship with Brown, which Brown admitted to while acknowledging that during the affair he launched Harris’s political career with potentially quid-pro-quo political appointments.
But the scant coverage of Harris’ improprieties pales in comparison to the media’s focus on Trump’s proven (Marla Maples) or rumored (Stormy Daniels) past affairs, and none of Trump’s past misdeeds involved doling out political spoils, which Harris accepted.
Whether Trump takes aim at Harris for her sex scandal won’t be known until day two of the debates, when the California senator duels with three other front-leaders in the crowded Democratic pack: Sen. Bernie Sanders, Biden, and Buttigieg. But if Trump does target Harris with a tweet, he’ll likely follow his formulistic approach that includes one or more of the following: buzzwords (“pathetic” “loser”), a nickname, misspelling a key word, InExplicable random capitalization, shocking language, and enough of the scandal to intrigue, but not enough to explain, forcing the media to do the job it has refused to do to date.
Or Trump might resort to an ambiguously worded attack on Harris or another candidate, with the media then paraphrasing the president and reporting the worst-possible interpretation of the tweet as fact and as proof that Trump is a racist, sexist, or homophobe. Once the media falls for Trump’s tactic, he’ll pounce and use the incident to further his fake-news narrative. My guess for a target here is Buttigieg.
3. Feeding the In-Fighting
Trump’s tweets will also likely pit two or three of the candidates (and their supporters) against one another. We saw this approach when Sanders took on the Democratic National Committee-anointed Hillary Clinton. Expect Trump to remind the socialist-leaning base of the Democratic Party that Sanders was robbed, while suggesting Biden waits in the wings to steal the nomination from the now-rightful heir. A simple “DNC robbed Bernie in 16 and now Biden’s ready to steal the nomination again,” tweet, better phrased by the master, will serve the purpose simply enough.
Then watch for Trump to further exploit the vast Democratic field and divided loyalties by tweaking Biden for failing to get the endorsement of his BFF, former President Barack Obama. As the debate unfolds, and the candidates unleash their prepared attacks on their fellow liberals, a mere smattering of tweets by Trump will amplify the soundbites, bringing the intramural debate into the limelight.
The status quo of the primary debates sees the parties playing to their base, while the general populace remains oblivious to the machinations riveting political junkies of all stripes. Then, when the general election rolls around, the candidates shift to more moderate tones and one happy family gets behind the eventual nominee.
But two nights of live tweeting by the president—more than a year out of the general election—will change this dynamic, first by highlighting, and thus fueling, party schisms, making it more difficult for inter-party riffs to heal. Second, Trump’s tweets will expose the extreme leftist positions championed by the Democratic presidential field to the normally uninterested apolitical American, making the transition to moderation a near impossibility.
4. Throwing Shade at Recalcitrant Republicans
Democrats won’t be the only ones likely targeted in any tweet storm: Look for Trump to also hit recalcitrant Republicans. John Kasich serves this dual purpose well. Think: “Alfred E. Newman has the appeal of Kasich. NOne.” Or “Kasich’s dad was a postman. Biden rides Am Trak. WHO CARES?”
Or maybe it’s the Never Trump fringe that takes some unfriendly fire. Trump could score a Twitter trifecta by slamming Democratic debate moderator Rachel Maddow. Comparing Maddow’s anti-Trump bias to that the president faces from some previously right-leaning pundits, like Bill Kristol and Max Boot, the president could successfully cast his Never Trump opponents as no better than his rabid, irrational critics on the left.
In the process, the president can castigate Maddow and her cohorts, playing the liberal media bias theme to his benefit. Stressing Maddow’s bias allows Trump to suggest to the party faithful that the MSNBC reporter plays favorites, and then by highlighting any partiality in her questioning of the candidates, Trump can sow further discord among the candidates and their supporters.
5. Celebrating His Accomplishments
The two nights of presidential Twitter won’t likely focus solely on snark and shade. Substance and success, or “winning bigly,” will likely share equal billing for the president. Whether it be the economy , jobs , judicial appointments , or deregulation , the president has plenty of accomplishments to tout , but the media continues to downplay or ignore them.
Watch for Trump to jump the legacy media and take his message to the people under the guise of debate commentary. With every new, ridiculous proposal floated by the vying candidates, Trump can counter with the specifics on his successes.
Look also for the Democratic candidates to continue the Russia collusion turned obstruction hoax. While that may play to the left’s base, if Trump tweets out rejoinders, the moderate middle will see the candidates for what they are: conspiracy-obsessed caricatures worthy of disdain.
Trump can promote his survival of the Deep State’s attempts to undo the election results as one of his greatest accomplishments—and something it is doubtful any other Republican could have achieved. With a crafty tweet along these lines, Trump can easily parlay the debate into further evidence of the Democrats’ desperation.
While Trump’s top aides reportedly advised the president “to let the Democrats attack each other in the media and onstage while remaining outside of the fray,” in this case, Trump would be best served to ignore the guidance. Just by suggesting he’ll have his smartphone at the ready, Trump has put himself in the head of every Democratic contender.
The candidates must now focus, not just on what one of their primary opponents might say, and to which they will have an opportunity to respond in real time, but also on what the president is tweeting out, unanswered, to millions. Their campaigns are likely now crafting clever one-liners to preempt Trump’s tweets, but as the Republican primaries proved, you can’t beat Trump at his own game, so you’re better off not trying.
JUNE 21, 2019
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We are in for some fun! What dems say in the primary election will loom large!
6. A dismal lack of knowledge of the issues discussed.
What issues are those? Besides "Medicare for all", reparations and the usual name calling?
You made kind of a cryptic statement. Be specific
Hit and Run?
Yup.
"We're going to have a wonderful health care plan. It will cover everybody, and it will cover them for a lot less money."
"It's so complicated."
Foreign policy, in general.
Economic policy, in general.
The sovereignty of foreign nations - "Mexico will pay for the wall."
He's in over his head. By miles.
Is that why he got elected in 2016?
Economic policy, in general.
He's done great with that!
Foreign policy, in general.
He's Aces on that!
The sovereignty of foreign nations - "Mexico will pay for the wall."
All except ours? He did say Mexico would pay for the wall. You know what - it's got a great ring to it!
Here's the thing, by mid week it's going to be all about what democrats are saying!
The fact that he got elected is in no way proof that he is knowledgeable about anything. It's only proof that enough people don't care about his lack of knowledge.
He's done great with economic policy? How's the deficit? How are farmers doing (without the bailout, which added to the deficit)?
Aces on foreign policy? Sure, if you think "aces" involves trying to drum up TV ratings on his new reality show "Let's Bomb Iran" and looking like a fool who changes his mind when he changes his underwear (or possibly more often).
"Mexico will pay for the wall" not only does not have a great ring (except to those determined to believe his lies), but it betrays an appalling lack of knowledge of the fact that he's not president of Mexico.
So, no real defense of him except "but Hillary".
So surprising.
It takes a lot of knowledge and skill to win a Presidential election
He's done great with economic policy?
Unemployment at all time lows, Stock Market at all time highs. I actually had to say it?
How's the deficit?
Some of that was from the Iraq War. $20 Trillion was from Obama.
How are farmers doing (without the bailout, which added to the deficit)?
I think farmers are still with him. (the bailout has been offset by the billions China is now paying in tariffs)
Aces on foreign policy?
He destroyed ISIS (as promised), North Korea is no longer threatening and the terror state of Iran has been brought to it's knees - all without a war!
"Mexico will pay for the wall" not only does not have a great ring (except to those determined to believe his lies), but it betrays an appalling lack of knowledge of the fact that he's not president of Mexico
The phrase does have a ring to it for all those who realize that the weak, corrupt government of Mexico has been allowing a flood of migrants, drugs and violent gangs over our southern border for decades
Or an indifference to lack of either on the part of enough voters.
How are wages? How many people are underemployed?
So, Trump hasn't added to the deficit? He inherited it all?
China's passing those tariffs along to consumers like us. That's how that works, you know.
ISIS was destroyed?
North Korea is still threatening.
Iran seems unaware that it has been brought to its knees.
You seem to be fixated on the "ring" of "Mexico will pay for the wall", while ignoring the fact that it was a falsehood which showed Trump to be either a deliberate liar or ignorant.
You mean they are brilliant when they vote for "Hope & Change", but ignorant when voting against being called "Clingers" and "Deplorables"?
How are wages? How many people are underemployed?
Are you making a case? Don't you know the answer?
So, Trump hasn't added to the deficit? He inherited it all?
I'm glad you are not contesting how the debt was accumulated. Trump is adding to it, because congressional Republicans couldn't get a trade off on the tax cut America needed!
China's passing those tariffs along to consumers like us. That's how that works, you know.
China is hurting with the tariffs and if they don't deal, they're gonna face a financial crisis
ISIS was destroyed?
YUP, the "JV team" is a shell of itself, despite what aljazeera says.
Iran seems unaware that it has been brought to its knees.
Make no mistake about it:
You seem to be fixated on the "ring" of "Mexico will pay for the wall", while ignoring the fact that it was a falsehood which showed Trump to be either a deliberate liar or ignorant.
I delighted with it. It is hyperbole at it's best, designed for all those who want Mexico held accountable for flooding the US with migrants, drugs and gangs
Where did I say that?
Admittedly, poor choices. Sort of like "very fine people on both sides", yes?
You are aware that unemployment and the stock market are not the only measures of economic health, yes?
And so have we. Nobody wins in a trade war.
Your declaration that aljazeera is wrong does not make it so.
Your link about Iran is from March of last year. If they are already on their knees, why did Trump feel the need to threaten air strikes?
I'm not quite sure why you're asking, but nothing is wrong with inheriting money.
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Why are you deleting my comments Vic? The truth hurt too much?
I'm not about to let you or any one turn the seed into a bash trump blog
You already trashed your blog when you seeded the article.
Sorry John, you know, that little thingy called The First Amendment!
The bimbo who wrote the seeded article must not realize that Andrew Cuomo is not a presidential candidate.
I think she was only listing some high profile dems who were given catchy names.
As for the woman you call "a bimbo" 'she is a lawyer and a graduate of the Notre Dame Law School, where she earned the Hoynes Prize—the law school’s highest honor. She later served for nearly 25 years as a permanent law clerk for a federal appellate judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Cleveland is a former full-time faculty member and current adjunct instructor for the college of business at the University of Notre Dame, where she received several teaching awards. "
The passage specifically says they are Democratic presidential candidates.
That's sad, she should know better than to write such junk then. I guess Trump has lowered our standards more than anyone realizes.
Here: "the various monikers he has bestowed on politicians and media personalities."
That's sad, she should know better than to write such junk then.
Why is it junk? She is making a prediction on what the President will do based on the things he has done
I guess Trump has lowered our standards more than anyone realizes.
No John, the hate filled liberals did that. "Their hate is palpable!"
Most of that billboard regurgitates the 1st category of the article, all with the exception of the hate comment at the bottom. That cold be considered a way of skirting.
I think those were catchy nicknames don't you?
I think derogatory nicknames should have been left on the school playground.
You mean like calling people "misogynist"? and having others say they "love" the hater who said it?
You know, I just combed through that conversation, and the person to whom you're referring never called you a misogynist. You called yourself one. You made comments on that discussion, and past ones, which come across as misogynistic. Your comments were called out.
And I'm not quite sure what's so wrong with a woman saying she loves someone who calls out misogynistic comments.
Not me.....Your buddy and now you. You do remember her comment was deleted for it? As your commentary is in danger of being moderated now.
We have rules on civility. Your personal opinion on individuals here are kept to yourself. I have opinions on both of you, but I keep them out of the conversation.
To far too many folks, a "misogynist" is anyone who dares to criticize a Democratic woman.
"misogynist" is a subjective term. When it is applied to any member of NT, it is a personal attack!
Um, what?
I believe you may be confusing members. The person to whom I responded had no comments deleted.
And I have expressed no opinions of you. I have expressed opinions about your comments.
I don't have the article.
I'll let it go for now
Are we all out of Ad hominem attacks?
Criticizing the seeded article and the person who wrote it is not an ad hominem attack.
Valid criticism is welcome!
Saying the President didn't do good with the economy IS an Ad hominem attack!
As I see it, the basis for the article is to promote the idea that Trump intends to clownishly troll the Democratic presidential debates with a bunch of nonsense about nicknames and lies about what the candidates are saying.
Except the seeded article thinks Trumps antics are fine if not commendable. This is , of course a disgustingly inappropriate way for the president of the United States to act. Trump lovers are so brainwashed they take his buffoonishness as "genius". This is a very sad time for our country.
If Democrats and the media are foolish enough to fall for it, why not?
They continue to do the same stupid thing over and over and over.
Are they simply incapable of learning?
What about #5 ?
Can't he contrast with his accomplishments?
Why is this any different than what he does all day every day? He constantly tweets bullshit, insults, lies and general effing covfefe. And now, he is going to try and undermine an important democratic process with his childish and unsophisticated blather. We are the luckiest country ever to have such a leader.
Even Trump's best pals Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin know when it's best to remain silent.
If he contests the positions of democratic candidates, it would be very productive. Let's have a national debate
How could name-calling and belittling ever be construed as contesting a political point of view?
So you don't think he would ever ask the cost of "medicare for all" or "free tuition" or "the Green New Deal"?
How about him simply mentioning the state of the economy? Prosperity & Peace?
Once again, Trump plays the Democrats AND the media.
Quite entertaining to watch the TDS go into full hysteria!
LOL. To Trumpsters, the simple truth is "hysteria".
I have seen the frothy replies and comments here. now, THAT is hysterical!
I feel I should offer a towel to some folks to wipe the spittle off their chins.
I never watch wrestling, almost never boxing (unless it's in a good movie like Million Dollar Baby), get no pleasure from watching martial arts (unless it's lyrically depicted as in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or heroically presented as in The Karate Kid) but I know I'm going to enjoy the upcoming debates from afar at least as much as I enjoyed reading the battle of the opinions on this article. Unfortunately I won't get to actually see much, if any, of the debates and I may be limited to reading and seeing the commentary on them and the fiery comments on NT following them. Go to it, gladiators.
Be back in a few