The Delusional Optimism Of Both Sides

This week, President Trump went to battle with Gold Star widow Myeshia Johnson. Johnson’s husband, Sgt. La David Johnson, was killed in Niger earlier this month. Trump called his widow to offer his condolences. But Myeshia Johnson apparently interpreted that call as a callously indifferent attempt to curry favor. She conveyed her displeasure to Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL), who promptly went public with it. Trump responded to Johnson’s anger not with compassion but with indignation: He stated that he had never been callous toward her.

The most likely explanation for this hubbub is misinterpretation on one or both sides. The chances that Trump wanted to offend Johnson are slim and none. But it’s not politically or morally wise for Trump to begin a public firefight with a grieving widow.