Key Takeaways
- President Trump's Truth Social post about Rob Reiner's family tragedy sparked significant debate.
- The post was condemned by some of Trump's usual allies, including David Urban and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
- The Smerconish.com daily poll questions if Trump's comments represent a 'new low' compared to past controversies.
- The episode reviewed past Trump targets, such as John McCain and Serge Kovaleski, for comparison.
Deep Dive
- The podcast introduced its Wednesday poll question: 'Are President Trump's comments about Rob Reiner a new low?'
- The host noted Trump's history of controversial statements but highlighted the scrutiny of this comment following a family tragedy.
- Listeners were encouraged to vote on Smerconish.com.
- Tuesday's poll on anti-Semitism normalization received 29,855 votes, with 57% agreeing with the sentiment.
- New York Times reporting detailed events before the double homicide of Rob and Michelle Reiner, and their son Nick's murder charges.
- The report included Nick's behavior at a Conan O'Brien party and a disputed argument with his father.
- President Trump's Truth Social post attributed the deaths to 'Trump derangement syndrome' and called Rob Reiner's condition a 'mind-crippling disease'.
- The host presented this as a potential 'new low' for Trump, noting even allies' condemnation.
- Mark Halpern suggested Trump's post reflected a compulsive need to engage with the news cycle and was a 'kindest spin' for attention.
- David Urban, a Trump ally, publicly criticized the Truth Social post on CNN, calling it 'indefensible' and expressing disappointment at the lack of condolences.
- The host referenced a past consensus on responding to deaths, contrasting it with Trump's comments on Rob Reiner's family.
- Marjorie Taylor Greene also broke ranks, stating that Trump's supporters did not appreciate his comments following Reiner's death and Charlie Kirk's murder.
- The podcast reiterated its daily poll question regarding Trump's comments on Rob Reiner as a 'new low'.
- Past targets of Trump's criticism include John McCain, Hillary Clinton, Ted Cruz, and Carly Fiorina.
- Specific past attacks mentioned included comments about Barack Obama's 'birth certificate' and the 'Pocahontas' charge against Elizabeth Warren.
- The host recalled previous controversies, such as Trump's imitation of reporter Serge Kovaleski.
- A Vanity Fair profile of Trump associate Susie Wiles was discussed, highlighting her observation of Trump's 'alcoholics personality'.
- The host questioned why such insights into Trump's behavior do not prevent controversial social media posts.
- The segment pondered the underlying reasons for Trump's consistent pattern of making contentious remarks.
- The podcast concluded by asking listeners to vote on Smerconish.com regarding the 'new low' question.