The Axios interview most certainly demonstrated that the president is completely out of his depth. That statement in and of itself is exceedingly charitable. For the president did more than show that he is incapable of handling one of the most important positions in the world. No, far worse, the unmitigated disaster of an interview showed that the president does not hold up well even to the standard of moderately well educated adult. AND he has one of the most powerful positions in the world!
But that’s not what infuriates me. We already knew that. The infuriating thing about that interview was what it revealed about those in Trump’s inner circle. Trump was either faking extraordinarily well, or actually demonstrating (more likely), sincerity. He actually believed those fantastical charts he showed Jonathan Swan were persuasive and pointed to his success and competence. See? We’re getting all these things right! Better, in fact, than anybody! Report THAT!
It’s clear. Trump hates bad news. So his staff avoids giving it to him at all costs. Trump likes hearing things that make him look good. So his staff bends over backwards to massage the data that makes its way to him so that it appears positive. They supply his insatiable maw with ‘data’ that confirms his narrative that he would be considered a hero if only the media would report the right kind of news!
Trump’s incompetent, but they aren’t. They know what they’re doing. That disastrous interview exposed them even more than him. The country is paying a huge price for their mendacity.