Trump: The New York Times Interview

After apparently getting some mixed messages from Reince Priebus, Donald Trump canceled and then re-scheduled his meeting with the journalists and editors of the New York Times on Tuesday. The meeting wound up taking place the day after Trump reportedly blasted the New York media establishment in an off-the-record conference at Trump Tower. It also comes after several tweets from the president-elect questioning the validity of the “failed” NY Times’ reporting.

Here are some of the more revealing quotes from the interview:

“I think you’ll be happy.” – Trump responding to a question about whether or not he respects the First Amendment.

“I would love to be the one who made peace with Israel and the Palestinians, that would be such a great achievement.” – Trump on the important role his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, could play in Middle Eastern negotiations.

“I have a different view than everybody else.” – Trump on the Syrian civil war.

“I really liked him a lot.” – Trump on his meeting with President Barack Obama.

“I think he’s looking to do absolutely the right thing for the country in terms of transition.” – Again, about Obama.

“Of course I disavow and condemn them.” – Trump on the white nationalists celebrating his victory.

“If I thought he was a racist or alt-right or any of the things, the terms we could use, I wouldn’t even think about hiring him.” – Trump on his chief strategist, Stephen Bannon.

“I do read it. Unfortunately. I’d live about 20 years longer if I didn’t.” – Trump on the New York Times.

Hopefully, despite that last comment, this is a sign of things to come. The news media needs to start covering Trump without the hysteria that colored their campaign articles. Trump needs to focus on the business of the presidency and stop engaging in feuds with Broadway musicals and selected journalists. No one wants to see the 2016 election cycle continue indefinitely.

Sadly, that’s probably what we’re in for. The liberal media is going to keep attacking Trump on every point, he’s going to keep fighting back, and we’re going to watch both the presidency and the fourth estate suffer.

Might as well kick back and enjoy the drama.