Hospodi Pomilu

In the Byzantine Catholic Church in whch GOTV came of age, this post's title is a prayer of both praise and entreaty.  The latter would certainly be germane in duscussing Dnald Trump.

Former President Trump took the stage at a campaign rally for J. D. Vance in Youngstown, Ohio, on Saturday, September 17. Trump had previously endorsed Vance for the Republican nomination for Senator in the Buckeye State. According to the Associated Press and CNN , Trump used that appearance to promote – what else ? - himself. At Saturday's rally, Trump made sure the crowd knew that Vance was subservient to him – big time. J.D. is kissing my ass he wants my support so bad, Trump said.  This most recent exercise in classlessness by Trump was his reaction to a New York Times story which claimed that  Trump’s team had simply told Vance that 45 would be coming to Ohio for a rally.

So what else is new?  Trump’s campaign stops have always been largely about Trump. He spends most of his time talking about himself, and only a little talking about the candidate for whom he is ostensibly campaigning. But the 17^th appears to be the first time that Trump has actively and delightedly thrown a candidate he endorsed under the bus.

45 needs to think things through more thoroughly. It’s hard to see Trump’s characterization of Vance as benefiting J. D. in his competitive race against Democrat Tim Ryan. Even those voters who support Trump might find the portrayal of Vance as a lickspittle unappealing.

At events like that of this past Saturday, what Trump is really doing is basking in the adulation of his MAGA devotees. More than three decades ago, Donald said The show is Trump, and it is sold-out performances everywhere.

That’s what one must always keep in mind when trying to understand Trump's strategy or motivation. One can make the argument that there is none of either. Trump is all, and only, about Trump.

That such a position is belittling to Vance, and makes the candidate look small and desperate, doesn't concern Trump. 45's only thought is that he still be perceived as strong and powerful.

One doesn't have to be Byzantine Catholic to appreciate that this version of Hospodi Pomilu has meaing far beyond anything of which Donald Trump is capable or can imagine.  It defines everything he's not.