After winning a cage match in front of the White House last weekend, UFC fighter Josh Hokit paused his postfight interview to take a vulgar swipe at former first lady Michelle Obama. In the days that followed, Obama began trending across social media — not because of the insult, but because Americans responded by celebrating her, sharing elegant portraits, highlighting her accomplishments and praising the grace and dignity she brought to public life.
It is a familiar pattern in the Trump era. First comes the clumsy effort to glorify the president and demean his perceived opponents. Then comes the public reaction that elevates the very people and values he is trying to diminish. President Donald Trump wanted Americans to celebrate his birthday with a big UFC fight. Instead, he reminded Americans of everything they appreciated about the Obamas.
Trump wants love, but he doesn’t know how to win it. He wants respect, but he doesn’t know how to earn it. He wants to be feared, but he doesn’t know how to inspire it. Frustrated, he turns to forced displays of loyalty and empty threats. And Americans respond with ridicule or something he may find worse: indifference.
This is a preview of a column by Michael Steele. Read the full column here.
|
|
|
|
Musk’s superfans cape for the ultra-powerful and insult the working class, while posing as “anti-elites.” Read more.
|
|
|
|
In a notice to a federal judge, the Trump administration says such a sworn declaration is “unnecessary” and a violation of separation of powers. Read more.
|
|
|
|
“Regardless of whether you voted for us, or like us or have nasty things to say about us,” the former first lady told MS NOW. “You will feel seen here.” Read more.
|
|
|
|
As an openly gay, nationally syndicated sports-talk host and writer, I would rather people be honest about who they are than create the illusion of universal support for my rights. Read more.
|
|
|
|
The Education Department wants to shift key functions of the office overseeing special education to the Department of Health and Human Services. Read more.
|
|
|
|
By subscribing to MS NOW’s We the People Newsletter, you can expect exclusive insights and perspectives from your favorite MS NOW anchors, access to even more content than what you see on-air, and more opportunities to add your voice to the conversation. Sign up now.
|
On Thursday, June 25th, join Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki, Ali Velshi, and more at our live community event in Philadelphia. They’ll discuss the most pressing issues facing our democracy as we mark America’s 250th anniversary, with special guest civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Buy your tickets now.
|
|
|
|
Have you ever wanted to share your opinions with MS NOW about our TV programs, podcasts, newsletters, app, website or live events? Now is the chance to have your voice heard! Join the MS NOW Insights Community.
|
|
|
|
SATURDAY
- MS NOW’s “Connect with Jacob Soboroff” at 10am ET: Democracy Forward CEO Skye Perryman… Director and Producer Ivy Meeropol… Michele Norris… Nicolle Wallace
- MS NOW’s “The Weekend: Primetime” at 6pm ET: New York Attorney General Letitia James… New York Congressional Candidate Antonio Reynoso… New York Congressional Candidate Jack Schlossberg
SUNDAY
- MS NOW’s “The Weekend” at 7am ET: Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.)... Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee… Former Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney
- MS NOW’s “PoliticsNation” at 5pm ET: Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.)... Evanston, Ill., Mayor Daniel Biss… Former Senior Adviser to the Obama Administration Valerie Jarrett
|
|
|
|
229 West 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036
|
|
|
|
|
