Trump 'has no idea what soft power means' around the globe: Princeton professor - MSNBC Reports

[Rhiannon12866]

Princeton University Professor Eddie Glaude, Jr. joins Alex Witt to discuss a range of topics about the Trump administration, including Trump’s aims to dismantle USAID, remove DEI initiatives from the government, proposals to have the Gaza Strip under U.S. control, and more. - Aired on 02/09/2025.

[radical noodle]

1. Even if he knew what it meant, he wouldn't like it

He's a sadistic bully. Can't imagine he'd ever like anything termed soft.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. The most frightening thing is that he hasn't given a thought to his actual job, working to benefit the American people

He's still looking to expand his business empire and making new international enemies in the process.

[radical noodle]

9. I really didn't expect him to

He doesn't care about benefitting anyone other than himself and maybe his family and buddies.

[eppur_se_muova]

3. Turnip knows only coarseness and crudeness. Getting things done by being agreeable is totally alien thinking to him.

And of course he perceives all such efforts by others as weakness.

Those who deal with him need to learn to be 'tactically weak' -- appearing to give in so the bully can have his way, while remaining firm on bigger strategic issues. Apparently, Canadian and Mexican leaders have done this brilliantly.

Unfortunately, this will mean more deception and dishonesty becomes necessary to conduct even routine diplomacy, because you're constantly having to work around the cement-headed obstinateness of the chief "negotiator".

Trump's unsuitability for the job -- or really, any responsible job -- is the elephant in the room that everyone's talking about, but that just won't get out of the way.

[radical noodle]

10. Mexico and Canada both outfoxed him

but the problem with that is his cult then continues to think he's a brilliant negotiator because they won't see the news that he was tricked.

I like China's approach better, where they play a game of chicken. It's really the only way to expose him to his base. Not sure they'll care, but maybe if it happens often enough they'll become a little disillusioned.

[Irish_Dem]

4. Maybe he doesn't, but his minders know it.

The goal is to greatly diminish US power and reputation in the world.

Who benefits?

[Rhiannon12866]

5. Our traditional adversaries. He's making history as the first anti-American POTUS.

"Worse than Watergate" doesn't begin to cover it.

[Irish_Dem]

6. Yes treason at the highest level.

Worse than Watergate is ridiculous.
What Nixon did was nothing compared to what Trump is doing.

[Rhiannon12866]

7. And Nixon faced calls to resign when his fellow Republicans turned against him

I kept waiting for this to happen with TFG, but he's kept them in line with threats of retribution from his "base" and primary threats. Because he had the names of House Republicans who voted to impeach over January 6th, only 2 of the 10 who voted against him were reelected.

[Irish_Dem]

8. GOP senators walked up the hill and confronted Nixon.

And told him it was over. Leave.
And he did.

That was when the GOP still supported the US, rule of law, and constitution.