The body language in yesterday's CV presser.

[kentuck]

One need not be an expert to see that something was going on behind the stage.

It began when SoS Pompeo came out with the usual suspects, including Dr. Fauci, soon followed by Trump and Pence.

There was a tension in the air. The expressions on the faces told us that something must have happened before they came out?

Right off the bat, Pompeo wanted everyone to see that he agreed with Trump that it was a "Chinese Virus". All the others that spoke, including VP Pence, referred to the "Coronavirus". We could glean that it was probably one of the topics of conversations before they came out?

The Dear Leader introduced Pompeo and gave notice that he would have to leave early, to return to the "Deep State", over at the State Department. Dr Fauci rolled his eyes and wiped his forehead as he listened to the remarks.

Mr Trump was in a foul mood. He lurked over all the speakers that were called to the microphone. It was reminiscent of his stalking of Hillary Clinton during one of their debates in 2016.

When Peter Alexander of NBC News gave him a chance to comfort and re-assure the people, Mr Trump attacked him as a "terrible" reporter. The tension had finally cracked the egg.

With former WH spokesman Sean Spicer sitting with the reporters, it appeared to be some sort of set-up from the beginning?

We can only assume that backstage Mr Trump was directing the show, and that he wanted everyone to talk up the great job he is doing and to assist him with his election in November. From my perspective, that is what yesterday's presser appeared to be - a campaign event.

[True Blue American]

1. Trump was glaring at them.

The rest did not even look at him.

Alexander just happened to be the object of his explosion.

[kentuck]

2. He demanded subservience.

He exploded with anger when everyone did not go along.

[True Blue American]

4. He argued with Doctor Fauci

Who is not a shrinking violet. Trump was angry when he came out. Now knows there are no adoring Reality show fans waiting.

[SergeStorms]

91. If there's no cheering crowd....

Trump can't see any value in showing up, even if it's to inform and reassure a terrified nation, something he's so abjectly failed at anyway. Trump views this as wasted time, time that could be spent regurgitating propaganda on FOX News, eating Big Macs in bed, or bouncing Ivanka on his lap.

[PatSeg]

25. Yes

I especially noticed him glaring at Fauci numerous times who looked very uncomfortable and trying to avoid eye contact. Most of the people up there looked like hostages who had been told what to say and how to act. The whole thing looked like something very unpleasant had happened before they entered the press room. Perhaps they had been subjected to one of Trump's infamous explosive temper tantrums.

Some day we will find out what happened behind the scenes in the White House, but it isn't hard to imagine what is going on.

[exboyfil]

31. Which I just don't get

Unless Fauci is holding out for a pension, why should he be cowed by this moron. History would remember him kindly if he boldly stood up to Trump. I am not singling Fauci out, and I understand he wants to stay to help, but is enabling this venal moron really helping the country.

[PatSeg]

45. It is hard to say

without knowing what all is taking place off camera, but if Fauci gets fired for openly defying Trump or if he quits out of frustration, he leaves another vacancy to be filled by a Trump nitwit. If all the competent people are purged from the administration, things would only get much worse. I am sure there is a delicate balancing act that is going on right now. We already know what kind of people Trump appoints to important positions.

[thesquanderer]

49. I think if Fauci really stood up to him, Trump would fire him.

And Fauci probably thinks he can do more good for the country by staying not-fired.

[sop]

67. The expression on Trump's face as Fauci was speaking at the podium, and the way Trump loomed

menacingly over the much smaller man, leaning forward as if to suddenly pounce and crush Fauci under his 300+ pounds of orange blubber, really said it all.

I recall how Trump literally elbowed his way past another world leader during that NATO meeting early in his presidency. I fully expect Trump will violently shove anyone aside during these pressers if they dare stray from his scripted lies and BS. I also half expect Trump will physically attack the next reporter who asks the wrong question.

Without a doubt, Trump is the most despicable POS in America today.

[PatSeg]

72. It also brought to mind

the time when he lurked menacingly behind Hillary during one of the debates. He definitely likes to use his size to intimidate other people, though he didn't intimidate Hillary that time. He had no power over her, but as president he does have power over a lot of people and many of them are people we need right now.

He is such a monster.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

81. People

In the press,Congress should push his ass until he punches someone on camera. Trump only has two fists two feet he can be fought and beaten. Fuck his intimidating bullshit. I wish people around him we're not so submissive. For fuck sake stand up.

[ooky]

94. Most despicable POS in American history.

My opinion.

[Grins]

83. I hope Dr. Fauci knows - HE has the power. Not Trump.

If Fauci ever says, “Eff this. I’m outta’ here”, it’s over for Trump.

You have a big hammer, Doctor! Feel free to use it.

[PatSeg]

89. Similar thoughts run through my head

I keep waiting for the person who will do it in public, on camera.

[TheBlackAdder]

50. Where have I seen this before?

.





.

[hangaleft]

90. Trump should have lost by a landslide for this crap alone

Disgraceful. Despicable.

And his “such a nasty woman” remark!

How the fuck did this pile of excrement get elected President of the United States?

[DownriverDem]

51. Can't watch it

and haven't been watching trump since day 1. He makes me sick. I read about it and Daily Kos does live blogging for stuff like this.

[zackymilly]

63. I've watched it around 5 times.

Every time I see a different person cringing.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

87. Several times Trump looked over the presenter's shoulder at their written notes.

Usually he stands directly behind the speaker, bored and slowly raising and lowering himself on his toes. This time it looked like he wanted to know what was going to be said beforehand.

[NoMoreRepugs]

3. My guess is that if the pressers continue

questions will soon ONLY come from ReichWing journalists and they will be scripted little vignettes to stroke the flaming buttholes tiny ego.

[True Blue American]

6. He said

He only wanted friendly Reporters. Now he knows how Sanders and Spicer felt.

It was so degrading of Spice to come back. SNL, here we go!

[tetedur]

15. From Thursday's coronavirus presser. He was itching to lambaste someone.

Q Members of Congress are now being tested positive for — members of Congress are now being tested positive for coronavirus. And you have almost two dozen who are self-quarantining. Do you have any guidance for Congress? Should they —

THE PRESIDENT: I know all of them. And I don’t know if they’re sitting like you people are sitting — you’re actually sitting too close. You should — really, we should probably get rid of about another 75, 80 percent of you. I’ll just have two or three that I like in this room. I think that’s a great way of doing it. We just figured a new way of doing it. But you’re actually much too close. You know, you two, you should leave immediately.

But — but, look — look, I know all of them. They tested positive. Hopefully, they’re all going to get better. And it’s one of those things. It’s Congress, you know? It’s one of those things.

[Cetacea]

73. He also added that maybe there should be just two or three of you..a veiled threat, imo

[dewsgirl]

11. I used to watch ALL the press briefings, I'm surprised they haven't

haven't tried to pull this crap before.

[maddiemom]

46. Maddow is right. The "fake news" should stop indulging him with pressers.

[consider_this]

59. i believe she actually said...

Stop televising them, due to the lies, etc. and journalist can just report out the facts that come out (something to that effect.)

As much as I detest what I have seen displayed at these things - if it is not televised, then he will be even more free to tout 'fake news!' if it is not on full display what is happening in those pressers. At least with cameras there is no hiding from what occurs in these sessions - for better or worse.

We are between a rock and a very hard place.

[littlemissmartypants]

95. Isn't he electioneering?

I would like to see his campaign committee have to pay for the airtime. Refuse to broadcast live and have him pay. That's what I'm thinking. Enough of the free promo-propaganda sessions, it needs to cost him.

**********

Electioneering Definition:
Snip...

Electioneering involves the persuasion of voters in a political campaign. This includes advocating in support of, against, or in the interest of, a specific candidate, party, or proposition during in an election. It can be achieved through more active means such as making public speeches or through more subtle means, like holding signs near polling places or wearing political paraphernalia with the intent to influence voters. Snip...

Electioneering Laws and Election Interference at the link.

https://civilrights.findlaw.com/other-constitutional-rights/electioneering-laws-and-election-interference.html

[onecaliberal]

70. Yet they'll be showing it again today.

[dem4decades]

5. Sean Spicer reports for what "network"?

And that stupid outfit he was wearing? A joke, in a joke asking questions to a joke about life and death circumstances.

[2naSalit]

10. Clown suit so the idiot could pick him out

when he was flaming mad.

[countingbluecars]

16. freebie from Dancing with the Stars n/t

[magicarpet]

19. Cha-cha....

[Trueblue Texan]

71. He's about as shitty a dancer as he was...

...a press secretary. They must have broken the cha down to the most basic of basic and removed any moves requiring coordination. The main thing these rethugs are good at coordinating is their lies.

[underpants]

27. He was in Newsmax's seat. Apparently he has a show there or a podcast

I was shocked to see him there. Notice Trump called on "the reporter in the back" not Spicer by name.

Spicer asked two set up questions - small business and S mayors inside trading. Trump used that to mention Feinstein only by name.

[avlbeerfan]

7. Something changed in 24hrs

We are not privy to what they know but clearly a big difference from the day before as to when they came out yesterday they looked very somber and Trump was in a bad mood from the get go.
Im not liking this at all and i doubt it was anything political at this point.

[Danascot]

79. The USA is now on a steeper curve than Italy?

and Italy is bad.

[tclambert]

93. We were 10 days behind Italy. Now only 6 days behind.

In a week to 10 days, we may pass Italy's total cases, by which time both countries may pass China's reported number of cases.

Hey, we'll be number 1! So . . . yay?

[NRaleighLiberal]

8. trump still thinks this is all just his reality teevee show.

[Dixc]

23. it was his rally for the day

I thought it would never end! He took advantage of his "captive audience" and was loving every minute of his insanity. Rachel Maddow said they shouldn't show all of his pressers. Just screen for if and when he EVER says anything pertinent. I totally agree!

[Rebl2]

84. I was saying

same thing yesterday to my husband. Just screen it and show us what is pertinent. No reason to be giving him all this free airtime. These are his new rallies since he is not being allowed to travel to rallies anymore.

[BKDem]

32. The media should stop airing these shitshows live.

Show us newsworthy excerpts, if there are any.

[Grammy23]

9. He seemed jumpy to me, watching every speaker like a hawk.

The pressure of this crisis has brought out every bad quality you could imagine him having. It is as if all of his narcissism (and who knows what other mental health issues) have been magnified and put on full display. I can only imagine how he behaves when he is not in front of a camera. Maybe the mental health experts can tell us how long he can go on like this before he has a psychotic break from reality. Or maybe that is not part of his pathology? We need the experts to give us some guidelines and especially those surrounding him. Is his removal from office coming due to deteriorating mental health? Someone with the expertise on what severe mental duress will do to tRump needs to step up to warn us — ASAP.

[UpInArms]

12. I watched the clip

Over and over (with the volume off) and watched the eyes and faces of those standing behind fucktard as he berated Peter ...

They all looked like abused children ... trying very hard not to move or show any reaction as he ranted ..

It was surreal

[mdelaguna]

33. +1

[appalachiablue]

42. Trump Berates Peter Alexander of NBC at CV Presser

[UpInArms]

48. Thanks for posting the video

I watched again ... all of them seem somewhat relieved they are not his current target

[tblue37]

53. Dr. Birx especially looks like she wants to cry. nt

[appalachiablue]

55. Yes, they all look drained, Dr. Birx the most. Nightmare

[ancianita]

13. Thanks for this. Staging info is important when living under a reality show regime.

[gademocrat7]

14. There should be a moratorium on his ego stroking pressers.

Governors should hold press conferences with updates and have the networks cover them.

[Frustratedlady]

17. Someone said yesterday that Hope Hicks was called back and in charge of calming Trump down.

Apparently, he takes criticism from her, but you could tell it wasn't working. Peter wasn't 10 words into his question when Trump started to show he was losing control and about to explode. Boom!

[Six117]

18. Thank you for sharing this.

You have a stronger stomach than mine. I can't even look at or hear that disgusting POS ~ especially at a time like this where it and its regime are doing so much harm. I can only hope and wait for the opportunity to help flush that shit out of The People's House.

[True Blue American]

38. It is like watching a wreck.

I passed 2 within blocks of each other. One they were pulling someone from the car. I moved on as fast as I could.

But this is like watching an explosion in slow motion.

[spanone]

20. In other words, a classic trump clusterfuck.

[livetohike]

21. Dr. Birx looked as if she was about to faint. Dr. Fauci stood

with his arms crossed most of the time. No clue why the rest of them where there especially Ivanka. Was she there to somehow calm him down? Is he that fragile? Why isn’t he on Xanax? Or is he?

Calling my Senators and requesting they enact the 25th Amendment. If it wasn’t clear before. It is now. Trump is unfit to handle this crisis.

[kentuck]

22. Good question! Why was Ivanka there?

Was she there to lead him off-stage if he totally lost it?

[livetohike]

24. I see no other reason! Unless it was Take Your Daughter To

Work Day .

[llmart]

30. She was there like she was from the beginning.

They truly have the notion that she'll be the next president. It would not surprise me one bit if she's not his running mate.

[MyOwnPeace]

28. "I'll take 'totally lost it' for $1000, Alex....."

[underpants]

34. I hadn't seen or heard that she was there. Love this response.

[livetohike]

64. LOL good one! n/t

[Grasswire2]

88. I'm sure she knows what the red, contorted face and shouting mean.

I'm sure she has experienced that multiple times, and is triggered when she sees it coming.

All of us who have lived with pathological narcissists know what's next.

[Buns_of_Fire]

35. The way Dr. Birx was blinking, I wish I knew Morse Code.

I'm sure she was blinking out a "please save us" message.

[wnylib]

65. Looked to me like she was

trying to blink back tears. Also like she feared something. But what did she fear and why would it make her feel like crying?

My guess is that some new info was available and everyone was forbidden to mention it. Perhaps an expert projection of the course if the spread? Maybe Trump planned to claim that the malaria drug was a new cure and they had argued about making that kind of statement without verified testing. Trump ordered them to back his claim? Fauci was fudging it smoothly. "So you see we're not really that far apart." Meaning his view of the drug vs. The Trump spin.

Notice how Trump mentioned that NY Governor Cuomo was "really interested" in this drug. Since when does Trump use a Dem governor as backup and verification of a claim?

Maybe Cuomo had suggested trying the drug in desperation because he had heard, as a recent DU thread mentioned, that the drug was showing some potential in ...was it Japan? S. Korea?

There is a provision to experiment on people with a drug not yet approved, during a crisis, on likely terminal people when there is no other option, if they consent to it. Once Cuomo asked consent to do that in NYC, Trump jumped on claiming it as a cure to make himself look good. Health professionals refused to endorse it that strongly, and that is what they fought over before the presser started.

That's my guess.

[Cetacea]

75. The first day she nodded over two hundred times. The next day she pullerd a Rosenstein, blank stare

Staring unblinking into the pool camera for what seemed like ten minutes. Yesterday they removed her from the camera view. I think that her and Fauci will be canned.

[exboyfil]

36. Senators had their chance

The 25th is a pipe dream. It was never intended to be used in this case. The VP, half the Cabinet (the law is kind of vague on what the half actually is), 2/3rds of the House, and 2/3rds of the Senate. The President doesn't actually get removed, but the VP assumes the powers of the President. The President can appeal every 30-60 days.

[barbtries]

68. Senators could advocate for it,

but it's the VP and the cabinet who can invoke the 25th amendment.

[treestar]

74. another "unwanted Ivanka" meme

that does not require photoshopping.

[The Blue Flower]

26. Some have suggested the networks stop coverage of these pressers

But this post is a reminder of why they should continue. We the people need to keep our eyes on the deterioration of the thing in the White House and the underlying dynamics of this "team". We needed to see Dr. Fauci's face and Ms. Birx's rapid, continuous blinking.

[FoxNewsSucks]

37. I agree.

The bullshit, that psychotic behavior, and the useless presence of Princess Ivanka needs to be public, not hidden away.

It should be broadcast, followed immediately by networks telling the public "now, about the shitshow you just witnessed...."

[spanone]

47. Agreed.

Sunlight/Vampire

[DarleenMB]

29. I will never understand why ANYone is afraid of that asshat. n/t

[tulipsandroses]

39. Because he will tweet at them? Call them an infantile nick name? Like you, I will never

understand. This is ridiculous. If the spineless republicans fought back from day one, they probably could have controlled this monster so that he knew that his silly tweets and grade school insults have no effect. But nooo, they wanted to play along to get the votes of the MAGA Crowd. Now, here we are.

[Laelth]

41. Persons with Cluster B disorders are dangerous. They are mean and vindictive.

They're even more dangerous when they have power over you. Trump has power over all of these people's lives. They're rightly terrified.

-Laelth

[dem4decades]

43. Fauci is probably worried he would be fired and that would cost millions of lives.

[Mike 03]

40. Speculation: Trump has this idea that if Ivanka is present at an event he's

less likely to be attacked, like she's some peace offering or has some magical power to calm people down, or maybe he thinks people won't attack him in front of his daughter. He's used her like this before.

Dr. Fauci is in an interestingly powerful position. He's the main reason 70% of the viewers watch these pressers. I think prior to the presser he strenuously objected to something Trump or Pompeo planned to say, resulting in the tension we saw. He isn't afraid of Trump but Trump needs him for his credibility.

But there were other things on Trump's mind, like negative press coverage, maybe something he saw on NBC or MSNBC that was triggered by Alexander.

Maybe Trump will fire Fauci at some point, but it would be the worst PR move ever.

[Laelth]

44. Most likely, Trump ordered everyone to call this the "Chinese flu."

Fauci objected and said that was medically irresponsible and politically provocative. Trump pitched a hissy-fit, and the show went on.



-Laelth

[Dem forever]

52. Shit show

I can’t watch that shit show anymore. Don’t get any facts from those creeps. It’s a one man circus. Not funny nor entertaining so it just click off now.

[Pepsidog]

54. Dems should be calling it the Trump Virus or Donnie Doomsday Virus. Rs would be all over us if there

was a Dem President.

[JTOL]

56. A request to UAW members

to line up 6' apart in front of the plants showing their solidarity to retool equipment to make the respirators to help the medical professionals. This would be a great demonstration of union members willing to help the country and to force GM and Donnie's hand to do something.

[ProfessorGAC]

61. Opinion Of Just A Guy Hunkering Down

But, I think that idea is very cool.

[BlueJac]

57. It was stomach churning to watch Trump stalk the speakers!

[Nitram]

58. Excellent analysis!

[nwduke]

60. Compared to Governor Cuomo's Presser

This was a sad, asinine and scary presser for our country to have such an incompetent president in the White House!

[barbtries]

62. that's what it is.

we all should all stop watching. they should walk out to an empty room. they should not be on tv anymore. people will die because of the propaganda and lies.

[Wounded Bear]

66. The Reality TV PResidency...

Trump is stage managing the pressers, for sure.

[Paladin]

69. They're ALL campaign events. And that's ALL they are.

Rachel Maddow's correct---the networks need to cease giving trump this free daily time to try to impress his brain-dead base. Show everybody the "highlights" on the evening news, that'll be stomach-turning enough.....

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

80. Just what I was thinking.

Every word out of Pissolini's mouth and every public action is meant for self-aggrandizement or financial self-enrichment.

Pathetic excuse for a human being, disastrous excuse for a POTUS.

[Enoki33]

76. Interesting that from the very little l chose to watch of the lies

saw tRump almost scream“...and l have been right a lot”. Got the impression he was also addressing those beside him. He continually reinforces how loathsome a creature he is.

[Anon-C]

77. I think Pompeo was there for some political military posturing. The US test launch of a...

...hypersonic missile yesterday was pretty significant.

[czarjak]

82. Who you callin' Mister?

[xyoungblood]

85. #TrumpCovid

I think that the rest of the world will suffer from the Covid19 virus. But the explosion of the virus in the U.S. is being caused by Trump. He got briefed on it in January, but his paid political advisors Ivanka and Jared decided with Donald that it was all a media/deep state hoax.

Well, the Trump family loves to stick their brand on stuff. I think it's appropriate that the Covid19 should be named for the Trump family.

#TrumpCovid

If we could get some media play, Trump wouldn't stand a chance in hell in November and hopefully, he and his family could get banished. Or the rest of us could build a wall around Texas and put him and all of his cult followers there. Sorry, Austin.

[wwwmovetoamend]

86. Rude Pundit said it best

[link:https://rudepundit.blogspot.com/2020/03/why-it-matters-that-trump-is-calling.html?fbclid=IwAR3GFOxumXbjcURkeV5LGuCegIIL_R_6u0c9SQz_Fmo5VglZyXMVGq3BwGQ|

[NBachers]

92. Kudos to California Gov. Gavin Newsom for calling out attacks on Asians in yesterday's announcement.

Also - wwwmovetoamend - Welcome to Democratic Underground, and thank you for supporting Move to Amend.

[subana]

96. I imagine about now he should be wishing...

...he had done something different on viruses that experts & Obama admin had tried to warn him about! I'm sure that really makes him mad! I saw an estimate today of the package the Senate is trying to negotiate & the projected money that will be spent. These are mostly republicans & we all know how much they hate spending money on anything!

that is what yesterday's presser appeared to be - a campaign event.

That's always his motive! In every situation, he wonders how will this affect me & how can I spin it (blame democrats) to my advantage?



oh yeah, speaking of his behavior onstage, every time someone else speaks he stands over their shoulder where he acts like he's trying to read their notes while I'm sure he already knows what they planned on saying anyway. He also stands there, slightly swaying from side to side as if he's a little kid trying to amuse himself during a boring appearance!

[malaise]

97. Great post

I think you nailed it