Dear Joe,
I wish I could sit down with you face to face and explain why so many of us were offended by the UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House.
For me, it had nothing to do with the UFC or who showed up for the fights. The brand you and Dana have built is a bona fide American success story. More power to you. As for the fighters, in my book, anyone brave enough to put it all on the line in the arena is remarkable to witness. Their dedication and discipline inspire me. I don’t understand anyone who can’t admire that.
And as for the people who attended, I, for one, love Shane Gillis. I think he’s hilarious and brilliant. It was a show. A once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. I can’t blame anyone for wanting to witness it firsthand.
My problem is that I believe some of our public spaces are sacred. And unlike many of the great powers that came before us, these American monuments belong to all of us. Not to whoever happens to hold power at the moment.
The White House does not belong to Donald Trump. It does not belong to any President. It belongs to the people. To treat it as Caesar treated the Colosseum is antithetical to everything our founding fathers fought for.
This is not Rome. Presidents are not emperors doling out bread and circuses for the peasants. The White House is the People’s House. This “celebration” could have happened in any stadium within a stone’s throw of the South Lawn. No one would have had an issue with it.
But that was obviously Donald Trump’s whole point. By holding the event on the South Lawn, what he was saying to the rest of us is:
“This is my house. I own it. I will do with it what I please. I’ll build a colosseum and have the gladiators fight under my gaze. I’ll tear down the East Wing. I’ll pave over the Rose Garden. I’ll cover everything in gold and marble. I’ll erase the names of all the men who came before me.”
The fights were an exhibition of imperial domination, not a celebration of our 250th anniversary as a democracy.
The White House is not Buckingham Palace. It is not the Palace of Versailles. It is not the Forbidden City of Beijing. It does not belong to an emperor, or a king, or a commissar.
The White House belongs to us. All of us. The person who sits behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office is nothing more than an honored guest. A temporary caretaker.
The President is our servant. Not our Caesar.
Respectfully, Hunter
P.S. Cage match between me and Don Jr.? Your call on the venue. Anywhere but the South Lawn.
Today, Hillary and I were honored to be on the South Side of Chicago to celebrate the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. The Obama Center tells the story of eight years of progress, and is a stirring reminder of the power—and responsibility—we have as citizens shape a better future.
Congratulations, Barack and Michelle, on this extraordinary accomplishment!
📸 Great photo of @JoeBiden and @DrBiden with the Obamas, Bushes, and Clintons in Chicago today.
This is America. Not what is currently in the White House.
Letterman: Mrs. Obama and Mr. Obama… oh my god speeches one actually listens to, speeches that consume you, that get inside you and cause you to think and feel like a lowly, worthless human being who has to strive to greatness. It's an amazing afternoon, and I'm going to shut up here in a minute because my nose is running.
Barack and I never did anything alone. Through two national campaigns, eight years in the White House, and in all the years since, we had an incredible team backing us up and pushing us forward.
It was such a joy to be back together with so many of the alumni who’ve supported us over the years. We’ll forever be grateful for their work, and our country is better off thanks to their service. We love you. 💗
To George and Laura, Bill and Hillary — we're grateful for your friendship, counsel, and devotion to this country. And to Joe and Jill, thank you for being on this journey with us.
In America today, we rank 34th out of 35 countries in childhood poverty and millions of children are food insecure.
Maybe, just maybe, my Republican colleagues would consider holding a single hearing about how we improve the lives of American kids.
Jim Jordan asked WHY Jack Smith was allowed to subpoena his phone records.
And it’s because of this.
On Jan 6th, before the joint session even starts, a visibly shaken Jordan is communicating on the phone with someone, and promptly rushes from the chamber.
He knew.
Thank you. I've been screaming about this pos for years. I've spoken with Katie Johnson's attorney and have emails and more. Michael Cohen is a vile person and liar.
cc: @MeidasTouch