President Donald Trump’s fish joke stinks, according to a new political analysis.
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Trump — during a Rose Garden dinner Thursday for hunting, fishing and outdoorsmen industry leaders — took aim at Bass Pro Shops owner Johnny Morris, a billionaire Trump frequently competes with on Forbes’ annual list of the world’s richest people.
“I could have banned fishing,” Trump said. “Driven Johnny right the hell out of business. I think I’m gonna do that.”
This line caught the ear of political commentator David Pakman, who on Saturday delved into his serious concern that the fish joke was fishy.
“Trump admitted he is drunk on power in a disgusting, swollen, orange rant,” Pakman said. “This is an authoritarian classic.”
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Pakman explained his frustration stemmed from the not-too-subtle threat underlining Trump’s joke, and argued the president wanted to be praised for not abusing his power.
“Saying you deserve praise for things you could have done,” Pakman argued. “Authoritarians love that.”
Trump’s real message to his billionaire rival, and all those who tuned in to hear the speech, wasn’t very funny, Pakman argued.
“Look at all the power I have,” Trump was saying, according to Pakman. “I could destroy your business… Then you would come begging.”
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