There aren’t many folks out there who don’t have an opinion — typically, a strong one — on former President Donald Trump. A lot of those opinions center on his personality, which, admittedly, has its quirks.
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But most of those who aren’t terminally afflicted with Trump Derangement Syndrome are aware that in addition to “mean tweets” and occasional bluff and bluster, Trump also has a pretty good sense of humor — and comedic timing.
That humor was on full display as Trump addressed a rally in Asheville, North Carolina, on Wednesday afternoon. The primary focus of his remarks was the economy.
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And, like all good speakers/entertainers, Trump came prepared — with props.
Fumbling around in his coat pocket, Trump remarked:
I had something here — I did have something — I would show you…wait a minute. I don’t know if you’ve seen this. I used it once. Oh, I have it — I do have it! Look at this — look at this!
So…this is TicTacs, right? [holds up a box of TicTacs; peers at it] I don’t know if I like the company — I’ve never met, I have no idea — they’re so lucky, they’re so — look at all the television, they’re so… [gestures to the cameras] This is the greatest commercial they ever had! [holds up much smaller box of TicTacs with other hand]
But that’s what happened! This is inflation. This is TicTac. [waves hand with smaller box in it] This is TicTac. [waves hand with larger box in it] This is inflation. This is what’s happened.
I just happened to have — somebody gave me this one today. [holds up the smaller box] I said, “I think we’ll put it up as an example of inflation.”
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But then, Trump turned serious and observed, “But you know what? Inflation is destroying our country — it’s destroying our families.”
He’s right, of course — inflation has been a destructive force in the lives of Americans over the past three-and-a-half years, and that, indeed, is no laughing matter.
Still, that moment from his speech highlighted the man at his funniest and elicited genuine laughter from the audience. I’ll take the belly laughs over nervous giggles any day. Just like I’ll take a Trump economy over a Biden-Harris economy.