Kevin McCarthy

Trump managed himself into bankruptcy six times in casinos, airlines, steaks, wine, universities and real estate. His 2016 election required voters to ignore reality or feign amnesia. Understanding this makes Trump less a phenomenon or role model than the ultimate realization of a tradition as old as the nation itself. His bravado at the defense table in a trial where the judge has already ruled him a fraud is his way of reflecting his own hype: Penalties? What’s $250 million to a man like me, his behaviour demonstrates. Despite facing 91 felony counts in four separate criminal cases, he was determined to make the civil suit in New York into a carnival to help his 2024 campaign for US president

Political Kabuki theatre over the issue transfixed America and the world for several months ending just 48 hours short of default in a victory for common sense. President Joe Biden’s approach was a textbook case of negotiating skill—praise your opponent and keep talking, give up a little to win while letting the other team believe they won something of value

By Kenneth Tiven in Wash...