Donald Trump could not help himself as he was unable to control both his narcissism and dictatorial proclivities at the Commander-in-Chief Forum.
Fascist or dictatorial proclivities at the Commander-in-Chief Forum?
In a display that was much more than narcissistic, Donald Trump with his words shows why many think he has fascist or dictatorial inclinations. The following exchange with Matt Lauer is probative.
Matt Lauer: Let me ask you about some of the things you’ve said about Vladimir Putin. You said I will tell you, in terms of leadership, he’s getting an A, our president is not doing so well. And when referring to a comment that Putin made about you, I think he called you a brilliant leader, you said it’s always a great honor to be so nicely complimented by a man so highly respected within his country and beyond.
Donald Trump: Well, he does have an 82 percent approval rating, according to the different pollsters, who, by the way, some of them are based right here. Look, look…
Matt Lauer: He’s also a guy who annexed Crimea, invaded Ukraine, supports Assad in Syria, supports Iran, is trying to undermine our influence in key regions of the world, and according to our intelligence community, probably is the main suspect for the hacking of the DNC computers…
Donald Trump: Well, nobody knows that for a fact. But do you want me to start naming some of the things that President Obama does at the same time?
Matt Lauer: But do you want to be complimented by that former KGB officer?
Donald Trump: Well, I think when he calls me brilliant, I’ll take the compliment, OK? …
Matt Lauer: But the fact that you say you can get along with him, do you think the day…
Donald Trump: I think I’d be able to get along with him.
Matt Lauer: Do you think the day that you become president of the United States, he’s going to change his mind on some of these key issues?
Donald Trump: Possibly. It’s possible. I don’t know, Matt. It’s possible. And it’s not going to have any impact. If he says great things about me, I’m going to say great things about him. I’ve already said, he is really very much of a leader. I mean, you can say, oh, isn’t that a terrible thing — the man has very strong control over a country. Now, it’s a very different system, and I don’t happen to like the system. But certainly, in that system, he’s been a leader, far more than our president has been a leader.