Trump is a battering ram.

[Girard442]

One of Trump's key behaviors is making outrageous statements and policies that would have sunk any other politician. It's tempting to think he does that because he's crazy, but it makes more sense that he's goaded into doing these things by people (Putin?) who don't really care how badly he's damaged in the process because to them, he's expendable.

I picture him tied to the end of a giant log wielded by his handlers as they use it to smash through legal barriers and political norms. The handlers are probably surprised as anyone that he's managed to survive as long as he has.

(Trump is fully culpable, still. I've never changed my mind about that.)

[greymattermom]

1. So what do you think happens

in Trump's private meetings with Putin?

[Girard442]

2. Probably pretty much what we all think.

Putin pats him on the head, tells him what a good and brave boy he is and how proud his daddy would have been. I can't imagine Trump's got the mental faculties to comprehend a long list of instructions or to commit them to to memory.

[Wounded Bear]

3. Crazy like a fox, to a certain degree...

Trump knows how to goad the media and newscasters. He's always been in "any new is good news" mode, and he still gets away with it for the most part.

A nice strong debacle at the polls will at least give him a bit of a setback. I doubt he'll learn anything, but at least a Dem House would restrain some of the worst of it by blocking shitty legislation and proposals.

His whole life has been one long story of going over the top and bullying his way through. He's an asshole.

[Thomas Hurt]

4. Personally, I think they are a malignant narcissist's version of...

acting out...instead of stomping his feet and holding his breath, he insults, attacks, scapegoats, fear mongers to draw attention to himself. Being President probably feeds his pathology well.