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President Trump invited Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and presumptive House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to the Oval Office on Tuesday to talk about the long-proposed border wall. It didnt go well. As a wan, mute Mike Pence looked on, Trump, Schumer and Pelosi argued about everything from the legislative process, to whether border wall construction has started (it hasnt), to the outcome of the midterms, which Trump sees a little differently than the rest of the nation.
Excuse me, did we win the Senate? Trump protested. We won the Senate.
When the president brags that he won North Dakota and Indiana, hes in real trouble, Schumer said to the camera, reinforcing the idea that the Trump administration is nothing more than a high-stakes reality show.
I did, Trump said, oblivious. We did win North Dakota and Indiana.
Link to tweet
The gathering began with Trump interrupting Pelosi, who has served in Congress for over 30 years, to educate her on how the government works. Pelosi correctly pointed out that Republicans do not have enough votes in the House to fund the border wall, to which Trump replied that he could get the votes in two seconds, but to do so would be worthless because he also needs 60 votes in the Senate. The fact is that in legislating, which is what we do, you make your point and state your case, explained Pelosi. That is what the House Republicans could do, if they had the votes. But there are no votes in the House for a wall.
Link to tweet
Nancys in a situation where its not easy for her to talk, Trump said later.
Mr. President, please dont characterize the strength that I bring to this meeting as the leader of the House Democrats who just won a big victory, Pelosi fired back.
Trump has been clamoring for Congress to reach a resolution to fund the border wall before Democrats take control of the House of Representatives in January. On Tuesday morning, he unleashed a series of tweets about border security, capping the tirade off by threatening to circumvent Congress by ordering the military to start constructing the wall. Thats how important it is! the president wrote. Trump has also on multiple occasions threatened to shut down the government over the wall. Shutting down the government is not typically something that reflects well on a politician or his party. Nevertheless, Trump made sure to make clear that a shutdown over the wall will be his doing and his doing alone.
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-oval-office-meeting-767617/
mobeau69
(11,156 posts)"We did win North Dakota and Indiana" he replied.
underpants
(182,879 posts)My take - negotiation skills
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1016221707
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)trump wont admit he looked stupid, nor will his supporters. I suppose in a similar case, wed support our side. But trump, his wall, and todays meeting, obviously wont impress anyone with a lick of sense.