CSotD: The Wide World of Whatever

Reflections on Ann Telnaes and the President

Ann Telnaes raises mixed feelings — a reaction somewhere between agreement and contradiction. Her critique inspires a moment of uncomfortable reflection.

On Truth and Self-Deception

The writer admits to abandoning the question of whether the President lies deliberately or genuinely believes his often implausible statements. In earlier reflections, he compared this behavior to O.J. Simpson and Jeffrey MacDonald, who denied crimes they clearly committed. They might have convinced themselves of an alternate truth to cope with their actions.

“I’m not in a position to psychoanalyze the president, but, while I can’t believe he really thinks he graduated from Wharton with honors, much less first in his class, I am perfectly willing to believe that he thinks when refugees seek ‘asylum’ it means they had previously been confined to mental hospitals.”

Belief, Confusion, and the Press

The author expresses indifference toward whether the President mistakes a dementia screening for an intelligence test. What concerns him more is the apparent reluctance of some journalists to address the President’s visible cognitive decline, especially compared to their earlier scrutiny of Biden’s age and mental sharpness.

Commentary on Leadership and Perception

Through a blend of irony and concern, the piece underscores how public perception of mental fitness shifts with political narratives, revealing an uneven standard in media treatment.

Author’s Summary

The essay reflects on the blurred lines between belief, delusion, and media narrative surrounding presidential behavior and accountability.

The Daily Cartoonist — 2025-11-06