In defense of Trump - I can't believe I am saying this

[question everything]

Facing Chris Matthews with his bombarding questions, one after the other, often not waiting for an answer, can confuse even "The Donald." I've often wondered why none of Matthews guests does not just stand up, removes the mic and says: well, you obviously are not interested in what I have to say..

Having said that - any opportunity to strip the clothes of this emperor should be applauded.

[COLGATE4]

1. Tweety is the most annoying commentator on the

air now. He is in love with the sound of his own voice and constantly overtalks everyone- colleague, opponent, guest. I really can't take him except in very small doses and even then I'm tempted to throw something at the TV.

[John1956PA]

2. In 1988 Ted Koppel admitted he had been too pushy towards Mike Dukakis.

It was at the end of a busy campaign day, one on which Mike Dukakis was feeling under the weather, when he appeared at 11:30 via an audio-video link with Ted Koppel on Nightline. Koppel lay into Dukakis with a diatribe on some subject which I can not recall but which should have prompted the Democratic presidential candidate to dig in an rear back. Dukakis, being unprepared for Koppel's take-down, being tired and a bit ill, and facing a camera lens without having the benefit of monitor, seemed to demur. The result was that Dukakis appeared to be mediocre. After the election, Koppel admitted on air that he was unfairly hard on Dukakis in that interview.

I do not care for Trump and I do not feel sorry for him. However, I am not fully on board with what Matthews did. If Matthews wanted to be fair, he would have allowed Trump a chance to dig himself out of the hole he put himself in. Matthews could have said something to the effect that no mainstream pro-life movement has ever advocated for criminal sanctions against an aborting mother. Matthews could have asked Trump to explain what type of punishment (jail time or fines) he would he consider to be within the range of reasonable punishment. Of course, Trump might have just reverted to his usual vagueness and said that he was not sure.

I suppose I should just be content that Matthews showed Trump to be ignorant on a long-standing, well-known principle in the abortion debate. It is just that I did not care for Matthews' approach and that I do give Trump some credit for running his mouth as fast as he can think, which conjures the metaphor of the unclothed emperor.

-------------------------
On Edit, 04-01-2016

I am starting to view Chris Matthews' approach towards Trump in a more favorable light. After a second viewing of the abortion discussion, I realize that Matthews did ask a followup question as to what kind of penalty Trump would view as an appropriate punishment for the mother. Matthews mused, "Ten cents? Ten years?" Trump retreated to his standard "I don't know" cop out. As Lawrence O'Donnell stated last evening, Matthews has deep experience discussing the intricacies of the abortion topic. I normally am not a big fan of "gotcha" interviews, but in this case I am glad Matthews went there. Unfortunately, Trump has since lied by saying the MSNBC broadcast was edited (it was not) to delete his declaration that the mother undergoing an abortion should not be punished in the event the abortion is not legal. In reality, Trump made no such declaration. Rachel Maddow is incensed over Trump's lie. Of course, the Faux News viewers will believe Trump.

[joshcryer]

3. Trump is supposed to be a straight shooter.

I think if anyone Matthews interviewing style should fit Trump nor than anyone.

But as we saw, the Emperor has no clothes.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

4. Tweety does that with everyone, ..

... especially so if he disagrees.

No discussion is allowed, it's like he's his own protected group.

commentators talking over people is the normal form on Fox. I can't watch it.

[phylny]

5. He did it on Thom Hartmann's show.

I couldn't stand listening to him blather on and on.

[dmr]

6. I agree. Mathews was baiting him. Badgering him.

To me, the media has hopped on the dump Trump band wagon.

Mathews kept badgering Trump until Trump fell into the trap. You could tell Trump never seriously thought about abortion. He should have, but he's an ignorant & selfish old coot.

Don't get me wrong, I can't stand Trump, but Cruz scares me more. Cruz is determined & committed to fuck this nation over. He hides behind smug non-answers. He sublimely uses his family as props to suit his needs. And, he uses God as a weapon.

I wish the media would take their focus off of Trump for a few minutes & go after Cruz for awhile.

[OldHippieChick]

7. I'm sorry, y'all make interesting points regarding Tweety, but

Trump's response was very clear. If one is not prepared for the questions or issues, Tweety can be irritating. But, if you are on top of the issues and know wtf is going on, he is easy. I cannot possibly give Mr. Orange2 a pass (Mr. Orange 1=Boehner). He clearly heard the question and has no problem inserting himself whenever he wants. No pass for Trumpyl.