I have previously and repeatedly criticized President Donald Trump for his tweets and comments, including personal attacks and name calling that is below the dignity of his office. Some on this blog have (perhaps correctly) labeled me as something of a prude when it comes to foul language and uncivil exchanges in professional sports, academia, or politics. However, even discounting my sensitivity over such conduct by adults, this is a new low. After news of a judge tossing the defamation lawsuit of Stormy Daniels, Trump lashed out at her and her counsel, Michael Avenatti. Trump called Daniels “horseface” and Avenatti as a “third-rate lawyer.” Daniels responded by calling him “Tiny” and a man with a penchant for “bestiality.” Once again, why? Trump is President of the United States calling a porn star a adolescent schoolyard name and triggering a name calling contest on social media. Speaker Paul Ryan and other Republicans have again criticized the President for such language.
I previously expressed doubt of the defamation case filed by Daniels on the very grounds cited by the court in its dismissal.
U.S. District Court Judge S. James Otero ruled that “The Court agrees with Mr. Trump’s argument because the tweet in question constitutes ‘rhetorical hyperbole’ normally associated with politics and public discourse in the United States,” states the opinion. “The First Amendment protects this type of rhetorical statement.”
The opinion was predictable but the President’s response should not be. Trump tweeted “Great, now I can go after Horseface and her 3rd rate lawyer in the Great State of Texas,” he tweeted. “She will confirm the letter she signed! She knows nothing about me, a total con!”
That triggered a presidential trash talk with a former porn star.
I do not really care if this is politically astute (which I doubt) but it is clearly not presidential.
