Axelrod Shames Trump Over ‘North Korea’-Style Cabinet Praise-Singing
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
David Axelrod laced into President Trump after the administration’s first televised cabinet meeting, blasting the event in which the president’s department secretaries praised in over-the-top terms as reminiscent of a totalitarian regime.
“I think it was embarrassing,” Axelrod, the “brain” of former President Barack Obama, said on CNN. “I think the president would have burst out laughing if — a couple of people had gone down the row doing that because it was so clearly orchestrated.”
“It felt very North Korean, you know, everybody giving praise to the leader,” he continued. Axelrod now serves as the head of the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics.
“On behalf of the entire senior staff around you, Mr. President, we thank you for the opportunity and the blessing that you’ve given us to serve your agenda and the American people,” Reince Priebus, the White House chief of staff, said.
The meeting was widely derided for the seemingly rehearsed plaudits offered up to Trump – even as his administration is under attack on the Russia investigation and facing difficulties pushing its policy agenda.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
