My dear Friend and President, DJT,
What was your reaction to your cabinet meeting yesterday? The NYT said it was "free-wheeling and fact free." The Huff Post found some "made up, nonsensical, hypocritical" highlights. The WSJ noted that there were a lot of new faces and a big poster on the table. What was up with that poster? I am not a Game of Thrones fan so I have no idea what message you may have been trying to convey. "Sanctions Now, November 4" - what's that all about? CNN tried to explain but I still don't understand why you had that poster on the table. I'm afraid it distracted from some of your points.
I loved the comparison you made between the cost of keeping troops in Afghanistan and the cost of the "wall." You noted that we spend more in a month in Afghanistan than $5.6 million for the wall. While I think all of that money would be better spent elsewhere, that was a compelling comparison. You noted that you got $700 billion for Jim Mattis to have troops in Afghanistan so, as you noted, $5.6 million is peanuts.
Did you see Lamar Alexander's suggestions for you on the shut-down? Go-small, go-bigger, go-really-gig. He noted that you need to be "precise and reliable" just the way Barak was in 2015. Lamar recalled asking Barak for the 3 things that he needed in his education bill to be able to sign it. Lamar got those in the bill along with some stuff Barak didn't want and the bill became law. That's what the game of politics is all about. Nancy knows all about that and according to the WP she's great at it. Just remember, "precise and reliable."
I hope you can resolve the shut-down soon. Yosemite is clogged with garbage now, and people are pooping all over the place at Joshua Tree. That's just gross and it needs to stop now!
Next time you find yourself alone in the WH, let me know and I can keep you company on Zoom. I'm a great listener.
Be well,