| | | | What Kanye West teaches us about Trump | | Kanye West's visit to President Donald Trump's White House on Thursday went exactly like you thought it would.
The two men vamped for the cameras. Kanye talked -- and talked -- about, uh, well, lots of stuff. (Including: the Apple hydrogen-fueled plane, alternative universes, the nature of time, Adidas, Superman, MAGA hats and the 13th Amendment. And, no, that isn't even close to a complete list). Trump smiled, nodded and then told Kanye that "that was quite something. That was quite something."
Like I said: Somewhat predictable. Which is weird to say. But also true!
So, is there anything we can actually learn (or re-learn) from Trump's decision to invite Kanye to the White House -- and then let the rapper/actor/designer/celebrity husband just talk about, literally, anything? (Sidebar: The stated purpose of the meeting was prison reform, which Kanye touched on briefly during his 10+-minute soliloquy.)
You bet!
1. Trump loves people who say nice things about him. Time and time again, he gives people platforms -- or second, third and fourth chances -- if they are willing to be nice to him or say complimentary things about him. This is true for Kanye, yes. But also true for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
2. Trump loves celebrities. Remember that Trump grew up amid the tabloid culture of New York City and has made his fame less on his business successes than on his relentless pursuit of the limelight. He views celebrities like Kanye as his only true equals outside of the uber-rich businesspeople he came into contact with in his past life.
3. Trump loves buzz. Death in Trump's world isn't to be hated. It's to be boring, or, at least, not to be talked about. This is a man who made up a character named "John Barron" (or "John Miller") who, Trump said, worked as a publicist within the Trump Organization. Portraying himself as Barron or Miller, Trump would call the gossip rags in New York City and talk about how many women were interested in Trump and/or who he was dating. Trump loves being the center of attention, loves being gossiped about. And bringing Kanye to the White House is a surefire way of doing just that.
The Point: For any other White House, this Kanye visit would have been beyond unusual. For Trump, it's par for the course.
-- Chris | | Donald Trump: "I tell you what, that was pretty impressive. That was quite something."
Kanye West: "It was from the soul. I just channeled it."
-- The President's first words after Kanye West's 10-minute riff Thursday in the Oval Office, and the rapper's response. | | | TRUMP'S POLLERCOASTER RIDE | | It's the economy, stupid ... and the trade deals ... and the campaign promises.
New polling from CNN and SSRS shows an uptick in support for President Donald Trump's handling of the economy (his first lift since May) as well as foreign trade.
Here are the numbers:
Economy: 51% approve, 42% disapprove
Immigration: 36% approve, 56% disapprove
Foreign trade: 43% approve, 46% disapprove
The poll also finds 52% of Americans feel the President is doing a good job of keeping the promises he made on the campaign trail, which is Trump's best performance yet on that question, according to CNN's Jennifer Agiesta and Grace Sparks.
Can't get enough Pollercoaster? Watch your inbox for this Saturday's edition of The Point, dedicated to all things midterms. | | | It's Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" ... because of course it is. | | | Today's topic: Kanye West's very Trumpian meeting. | | MEANWHILE, ON THE TRAIL... | | ...Things are getting personal.
Closing in on Election Day, Democrats are telling about their own struggles with the health care system -- a part of the Democratic effort to activate voters by speaking about health care frequently and in "deeply personal terms."
All of this comes as approval of the Affordable Care Act -- also known as Obamacare -- has reached an all-time high, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation." | | Tropical Storm Michael has effectively shredded parts of the Florida panhandle.
The storm was a Category 4 hurricane when it slammed into the Florida coastline yesterday, leaving nearly 1 million without power and decimating entire neighborhoods. The storm has already claimed at least six lives.
The remnants of the hurricane are now climbing north through the southeast, cutting across southern Virginia Thursday night before heading out to sea.
STAY IN TOUCH – If you have a weak phone connection, you can get text-only versions of top stories -- and don't forget to sign up for hurricane alerts. | | Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams is calling on the secretary of state, Brian Kemp, to resign.
Kemp also happens to be her GOP opponent for governor.
Georgia is grappling with a controversial voter registration rule that has put a hold on 53,000 voter registration applications -- nearly 7 in 10 of which belong to African-Americans. | | | From Brenna: "Of course the day I'm home sick is the day my fever dreams actually came to life. Share The Point with your friends -- it's like a hug." | | | | | | |
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