In case you slept through it, and you were lucky if you did, some of us who watched the early news at 6 am today were greeted by the most bizarre video clip of the Trump cabinet. Each of the members, who were clearly asked to pay homage to their boss, made cloying, embarrassing, laudatory comments about their boss, as if a gun – no a firing squad – awaited if they demurred.
It seems that the adulation of his followers during the campaign has infected the President’s psyche. Like a soft addiction. So, when he’s not on the road in front of thousands of cheering Trumpettes, he finds another way to boost his endorphins.
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Trump figured he had to do something for his war-weary cabinet to cheer about. So, he kicked off his cabinet meeting Monday afternoon by praising himself and his so-called accomplishments. His minions heard him say, “Never has there been a president – with few exceptions – who’s passed more legislation, who’s done more things than I have.” I think the phrase is a suspension of disbelief since they all know that not a single bill has been passed in Congress since Trump has been president.
Watching the clip and the accolades that followed, I was relieved that no one got up off their chair, walked over to Trump and kissed his ring.
Joe Scarborough, co-host with Mika Brzezinski of MSN’s Morning Joe, was so appalled he said, “Let me just say that was the most sick, shameful, pathetic, un-American, autocratic display.” Without further ado, here is a selection of the most obsequious comments.
Defense Secretary James Mattis: Mr. President, it's an honor to represent the men and women of the Department of Defense. And we are grateful for the sacrifices our people are making in order to strengthen our military, so our diplomats always negotiate from a position of strength. Thank you.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson: Thank you for the honor to serve the country. It's a great privilege you've given me.
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Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson: Mr. President, it’s been a great honor to -- to work with you. Thank you for your strong support of HUD and for all the others around this table that I've worked with.
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin: It was a great honor traveling with you around the country for the last year and an even greater honor to be here serving on your Cabinet.
Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price: Mr. President, what an incredible honor it is to lead the Department of Health and Human Services at this pivotal time under your leadership. I can't thank you enough for the privileges you've given me and the leadership that you've shown. It seems like there's an international flair to the messages that are being delivered.
Vice President Mike Pence: It is just the greatest privilege of my life is to serve as the -- as vice president to the President who's keeping his word to the American people and assembling a team that's bringing real change, real prosperity, real strength back to our nation.
Chief of Staff Reince Priebus: We thank you for the opportunity and blessing you've given us to serve your agenda and the American people.
