Kudos to Mattis for not bowing down to Trump in today's cabinet meeting

[highplainsdem]

Tonight CNN's Chris Cillizza has followed up his original article on that bizarre cabinet meeting with a ranking of all the cabinet members by their over-the-top praise of Trump. He puts Mattis second to the bottom of the list, but IMO he's mistaken there, because Mattis completely avoided repeating political lines as well.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/12/politics/trump-cabinet-ranked/index.html

This was Mattis's complete statement: "Mr. President, it's an honor to represent the men and women of the Department of Defense. And we are grateful for the sacrifices our people are making in order to strengthen our military so our diplomats always negotiate from a position of strength. Thank you."


Cillizza notes: "A nice sentiment. But nary a word of direct praise for Trump's commitment to the military."


I haven't watched the video again, though I caught that section of the meeting and watched (in disbelief) when it was first broadcast. But it was my impression then that Trump was NOT happy with Mattis's lack of praise for him.

Kudos to Mattis for showing true professionalism and mature behavior, while surrounded by idiocy and obsequiousness.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Good for Mattis.

I think he is probably the only Cabinet member who truly deserves to be there. The only one in touch with reality, the only one who is truly a professional.

Hats off to Mattis!

[Baconator]

6. In addition to his actual skills and experience...

That man is quotable as hell.

[blueinredohio]

2. Didn't see it. Did Jared give his praise?

[liberal from boston]

3. Mattis

Lawrence last night reported that Mattis never mentioned Trump--His statement was about his respect & support of US troops.

[Mr. Sparkle]

4. I wonder will the right wing media turn on Mattis for not bowing to their king. n/t

[Baconator]

5. Not if he keeps on like he has...

Keeps his disagreements private etc...

The only real danger is if he dips his toes in the partisan bullshit waters like McMaster did.

[Mr. Sparkle]

7. What did McMaster do ?

[Baconator]

8. Carried his water during the whole classified info to the Russians in the Oval Office bit...

I don't even think he lied but it came across as quibbling to me.

Mattis and McMaster are the only ones at the top levels who have any real reputation or credibility so they trotted him out instead of Spicer.

Mattis is a civilian now and likely has more leeway. McMaster is still technically active duty and the order wasn't technically illegal, unethical or immoral so out he goes.

[Mr. Sparkle]

9. Thanks , i forgot about that whole episode.

There is some much drama coming from the white house, i need a memory upgrade.

[Baconator]

10. Literally no one can keep up with it and retain it all...

Which is actually to Trumps advantage.

A new scandal comes every day and eventually fades to background noise just so people can get by.

The only thing that will get rid of Trump is a new administration or straight up criminal consequences.

Everything else is off the table.