Trump's Kentucky chaos and Rubio's big...shoes
3/12/202629 min
Despite being at war, America's commander in chief President Trump has been busy hosting election-style campaign events ahead of important midterm elections. It was billed as an "affordability tour", a chance for Trump to hammer home the ways in which his presidency will make voters feel better off.
But predictably, at a rally in Kentucky, Trump went off script. He used the platform to repeatedly slam GOP Congressman Thomas Massie, mock Barack Obama, and declare that America had in fact already won the conflict in the Middle East. US public opinion on the war already makes alarming reading for the White House - and that's before the huge spike in oil prices really filters through to the weekly shop or at the gas pumps. Has his decision to strike Iran wrecked his best shot at keeping voters on side?
Later - John Bolton on how Trump has fumbled his Iran "excursion", and why Marco Rubio needs insoles...
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsJon Sopel· Host0:00
[global player jingle] This is a Global Player original podcast.
Donald Trump· Soundbite0:05
And as we take decisive action to stop the threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran with Operation Epic Fury. [crowd cheering] Is that a great name? Well, it's only good if you win, you know. You can only do... And we've won. Let me tell you, we've won. You know, you never like to say too early you won. We won. We won the be-- in the first hour it was over.
Emily Maitlis· Host0:37
Donald Trump claiming victory within the first hour of his war against Iran. Has he convinced anyone else of the ramblings inside his head?
Jon Sopel· Host0:51
Does anyone believe he's won? Does anyone understand what this war is all about? And how can you claim victory when the Straits of Hormuz are shut, and the oil price is surging upwards? Welcome to the News Agents USA. [upbeat music] The News Agents USA with Emily Maitlis and John Sopel. It's John.
Emily Maitlis· Host1:14
It's Emily. And that was Donald Trump in Hebron, Kentucky, where- Not the West Bank. Not the West Bank.
Jon Sopel· Host1:21
[laughs] Okay.
Emily Maitlis· Host1:22
But sort of- Good clarifying ...Israel-friendly town. Kentucky's Republican Party said the purpose of that presidential