President Trump is once again skipping the highly touted, self-aggrandizing event of the year for media types that cover politics, the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) dinner. Press secretary Sarah Sanders will represent the administration in his stead.
Ironically, organizers categorize the festivities as a celebration of the First Amendment and will honor members of CNN and NBC for their outstanding coverage of mostly made up news and whatever former FBI great James Comey leaked.
Is it any wonder that Trump has politely declined the invitation?
On the Road Again
Opting to avoid the flashbulbs, insult-laden speakers, and headliner comedienne Michelle Wolf, the president will jet set to Washington, Michigan to hang out with regular Jills and Joes at a campaign-style rally.
A spokesman and CEO for the Trump 2020 campaign, Michael Glassner, released this statement:
"While the fake news media will be celebrating themselves with the denizens of Washington society in the swamp that evening, President Trump will be in a completely different Washington, celebrating our national economic revival with patriotic Americans.”
During his campaign, Trump visited Michigan a total of 10 times. He handily won Macon County, sealing the state in his favor. On his triumphant return, he will celebrate low unemployment rates, deregulation and tax reform, and connect with his constituency.
People are excited and requests for event tickets through Trump’s campaign website are skyrocketing.
One grumpy Gus, however, is not looking forward to Trump’s impending arrival. Michigan Democratic Chair, Brandon Dillon, incorrectly called the president "a corrupt liar who has used his office in Washington to attack Michigan values and betray our working families.”
He went on to lay down a direct challenge, adding, “The question now is which Republican politicians running for office will attend so we have even more reason to vote against them in November.”
Another sore loser to be dealt with eventually.
Meanwhile, Back in The Swamp
The WHCA is not giving up on luring members of the Trump administration to their annual event, and the president has encouraged his minions to attend.
Margaret Talev, WHCA’s president, believes sending Sarah Sanders is akin to an olive branch from Trump, stating, “The message underscoring it is one of participation and I think that’s a good thing.”
Talev is not your typical Trump hater. She recently shared her thoughts of covering the president in an interview with Vanity Fair:
“I have found him to be very engaging, for him to have an instinct to make a connection to whoever he is talking to, and generally speaking for him to be cordial to the press in these one-on-one interactions. He will shake your hand, look you in the eye, and ask you if you are feeling good or feeling comfortable. You can toss any question at him, almost any question at him. If you ask a question without an edge, just out of curiosity, he will also entertain an answer. He really likes the engagement with reporters.”
She goes on to describe Obama’s interactions with the media as “measured.” Imagine that.
Party On
Another award show with celebrities and members of the media who fashion themselves as stars will occur, and their own ilk will be the only ones that care who was there, what they wore, or what was said. I suppose everyone should get dolled up at least once a year. But Trump? He will play his starring role as the billionaire next door, in Macomb County, Michigan, irritating the left and energizing the right.
