Donald Trump is insulated from the truth by the yes-men who surround him.
McKay Coppins spent 36 hours with Trump seemingly before he made any decision about whether to run for the GOP nomination. Mr. Coppins did not fail to notice:
“[T]he chorus of "Yes, Mr. Trump”s and “You were great, Mr. Trump”s that tumble out of his yes-men at even the faintest prompt,....
the chorus ofAt that time Trump was still considering a run for New York State governor. And Trump was disappointed this his showing up at an event for prospective candidates drew no press attention. Trump's yes-men pointed out that people wanted him to run for
president. The Donald thought a moment and then agreed, pointing out that it is a common sentiment.
I can’t tell you how many people have said that to me. They say, ‘What are you doing running for governor?’” He punctuates the last word with the sort of disgusted tone he might use if someone asked him to trade in his private plane for a Bolt Bus ticket. “It’s a good point.”
This exchange shows two things. First, Trump has the ability to believe a comment from one of his close employees reflects the sentiments of a large part of the electorate; and second, his yes-men tell him that he shits gold. This is something that can happen only to the super rich and bloody dictator. The rest of us are told by spouses, friends or even total strangers when we are making asses of yourselves. Some of us get the message better than others but to one degree or another, the message gets through.
So Trump is being told that he is the only one courageous and insightful enough to speak the truth, and that many/most people agree with him, whatever the lily-livered other candidates and liberal media say. Apologize? Did Einstein apologize for saying E=mc(squared)? You got to be kidding.