As presidential candidates gathered in New Hampshire Monday for a show of Kumbaya bipartisanship at the "No Labels" Problem Solvers Convention, Donald Trump took the stage and waved his proverbial middle finger at the crowd,
reports Katie Glueck.
While other candidates and politicians noted their ability to collaborate, Trump trumpeted his ability to win a negotiation. Standing next to signs that read "stop fighting, start fixing," he jabbed at GOP rivals and bragged about poll numbers. And at a conference devoted to bipartisan bonhomie, he described himself as a "counterpuncher" who can't abide political correctness.
Attendees weren't impressed.
Attaboy, Donald. Take no prisoners! Your unfavorables among American voters are so high, Putin's jealous. May as well go for broke—like in your back-and-forth with this voter:
"Maybe I'm wrong ... but I don't think you're a friend to women," another young woman said to applause. But before she could ask her question, Trump interrupted her, asserting "I respect women incredibly" and noting many work for him and he has provided opportunities for women. It was only after the crowd called him out that the woman was able to complete her question, which concerned equal pay for women and reproductive rights.
Not to worry. The Donald had a great mother, "maybe the greatest ever," and he's "going to take care of" women.
Trump also assured the crowd that he was in full control of his knee-jerk reactions and would become super congenial as soon as the field narrowed down. At that point, it will be all love and cuddles.
"Too many people! Too many people. When it becomes a different kind of situation, you'll see, I'm going to be much less divisive."
Diplomacy's just second nature.
"Are you from South Korea?" Trump asked the questioner, who appeared to be Asian-American.
"I was born in Texas, raised in Colorado," he replied. The crowd cheered for him.