Old, Worn-Out, Whipped Trump Return Home A TV Show We've Seen Before
politizoom.com -- Saturday, August 16, 2025, 10:23:44 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: U.S.–Russia Relations, Foreign Policy & International Relations, Democratic Party Responses
Trump is a TV President and always has been. He also knows reruns and the one he's just given is going to eat at him. We have (I hope) a new acronym Trump will hate: OWOW - Old Worn Out Whipped. Trump might see a story about him using it and think it's praise only to wind up furiously reaching for ketchup bottles. If reminders of his dejected walk from Marine One after his Tulsa rally flop five years ago to his deflated and defeated look exiting Air Force One back at Andrews goes viral on social media so much the better.
A little over five years ago with COVID running rampant Trump decided it was time to contrast himself with 'low energy Biden campaigning from his basement.' Against sound advice he decided to get out there and hold one of his signature rallies. It was predicted to and turned out to be a super-spreader event. It even claimed the life of bigly supporter Herman Caine. Alas, instead of a big venue packed with screaming MAGAs it was anything but packed and there wasn't time to screen off a small area for those who did show up.
From the stage Trump could see vast sections of empty seats and it was exactly the kind of 'low energy' event he claimed was the kind of thing Biden would have. If you've followed Trump and his rallies over the years the crowd worship, the screaming MAGAs are a drug for him. He'd become a junkie and wasn't getting his fix due to COVID so he said screw it and organized something big. Sure, plenty of MAGAs showed up but as I said it didn't come close to being a packed house. Without tons of fellow MAGAs the ones who were there started wondering if maybe THEY should have stayed home and the rally flopped.
Trump knew it. And had the plane ride home to work himself into a major funk which was evident during that walk from Marine One back into the WH later that night. You can see it in the title pic I chose. I thought about how there are pics of him looking the same arriving home from Alaska but I want to emphasize my point that we've seen this particular episode of Trump Tee Vee before. His image and ratings never recovered and he got his fat orange ass handed to him in the 2020 election.
There was an awesome video clip mocking Trump over that night. It began with him departing like a hero for Tulsa to the tune of the theme of Jurassic Park - as played by an orchestra. It concluded with that sad-sack walk from the helicopter back at the White House to the same music - played by kazoo or some similar instrument. I tried like hell to find it but it seems to have been scrubbed from the internet. Such is the fear of angering Trump in his second stint as President. There is however an interesting clip from NBC about that walk and Trump's disheveled and defeated look you should watch:
By the way take note of the banner at the bottom about Bolton saying Trump was unfit. The thing is, everything in that clip is true today, as is the visage of Trump looking like he just got his butt whipped. Which in this case happened up in Alaska. For all the Trump/MAGA fervor about "owning the libs" the plain fact is that just as predicted by all but hard-core MAGAs Trump, and the United States too got "owned by Putin." Putin got all he wanted and then some. Worse, while it's hard for Americans to believe the average Russian who is fed a steady diet of Putin directed media still supports the war in Ukraine. Putin will milk this for all it's worth and it Russia it's pure gold for him.
Trump as we know got nothing. He knew it I'm sure before his meeting ended and bailed early in the aftermath. Neither Trump or Putin took questions but Putin spoke (first which isn't protocol as the visitor) for ten minutes to Trump only speaking for three. Trump had people warning him prior to the summit but HE knew better than them all. Combined. But like I said he knew before it was over Putin had punked him. He knew it. We know it and the worst thing for Trump is he KNEW we'd know it. And he had that long, long plane ride back to DC to stew over the whole debacle.
Five years ago after a plane ride where Trump touted an upcoming event and face-planted he looked whipped. And he was. Oh, he'd still have moments during the campaign but he'd opened a gaping wound in his image that wouldn't heal. Now we are seeing him look the same way because he's gone and done the same thing to himself. However there's a difference that could matter a great deal.
Trump was lazy and incompetent as well as stupid in his first term. It seemed clear during Biden's time he was devolving from an already low level. He's continued to devolve at an ever accelerating pace since being back in the White House. Again, everyone around him and on Capitol Hill and in GOP circles knows it. And Trump knows they know it. Worse for him is that he can't shake off the Epstein scandal. If anything he keeps making things wors for himself. Between that which is actually starting to measurably hurt him with MAGAs his tariffs continue to drive up prices.
He can fire professionals that know how to collate and publish accurate data on the economy. He can say everything is great but people know how much money they have coming in and they know how much they have to pay just for basic living. MAGAs might not want to admit it but they know the promises Trump made about the economy aren't being met. That and Epstein have caused his approval to crater and it's even slipped among Republicans. It's still strong but it's less than it was and unlikely to recover. His grip on power is still strong but he's politically bleeding and he IS old. And clearly not up to the job and the people he has around him this time aren't capable of covering at least the worst of his screwups.
He can threaten Martial Law and not having the midterms but I'm not sure he could get away with it anymore. The whole world saw him arrive home looking like we all did leaving the movie theater after watching Old Yeller. Trump wasn't able to recover from a similar walk five years ago. He's far less capable of doing so now and with the U.S. position in the world already badly weakened and the economy on the brink the unthinkable might be happening - finding a way to do to Trump what Democrats did to Biden and force him out. It's the GOP's only chance to avoid an electoral bloodbath next year.
Trump is broken this weekend and he knows it. The question is does he have enough left in the tank to still inspire the fear that has given him so much undeserved control over the GOP, our country and the world. Just as some people in sports never rebound from an epic fail, Trump might finally be so weak in body and spirit HE can't rebound. He's gotten what he needed already by getting a second term - avoiding jail and getting actually rich enough with a revenue stream that will keep him comfortable till the day he dies. And, as I keep saying he's a heart attack or stroke waiting to happen.
Even a minor one (or faking one) would allow him to "reluctantly" step aside. And allow him to be feted by Republicans in a nauseating send-off. It would be awful but some of the "thank you" comments would although being music to Trumpty's ears actually be incomplete - the second part after 'thank you' wouldn't be spoken or written but would say/mean 'for handing over power and going away.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent commentary on Donald Trump's political ventures paints a vivid picture of a figure whose return to the political stage is marked by a familiar narrative of decline and disillusionment. The commentary’s reference to Trump as “Old Worn Out Whipped” (OWOW) encapsulates the essence of a politician who has thrived on spectacle yet finds himself grappling with the stark realities of his waning influence. Historically, the phenomenon of a political figure's rise and fall is not new; it mirrors past leaders who have struggled to maintain their grip on power amidst changing public sentiment and emerging social crises. The echoes of this narrative resonate with the 1930s in America, when figures like Huey Long and Father Coughlin captured the public’s imagination only to see their movements falter as the complexities of the Great Depression unfolded.
Trump's identity as a “TV President” underscores his reliance on media manipulation and public spectacle—a strategy that, while initially effective, has shown signs of fatigue. His infamous rally in Tulsa serves as a microcosm of his broader political trajectory; it was touted as a triumphant return but ultimately exposed his inability to galvanize his base in the face of a pandemic that had reshaped social norms. The empty seats at the rally were not merely a sign of a failed event but a reflection of a society grappling with health crises and a growing awareness of the consequences of reckless leadership. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the vulnerabilities in our social fabric, revealing the limitations of a governance style that prioritizes bravado over substantive policy. This speaks to a broader struggle for accountability and responsible leadership, particularly in times of crisis.
The reference to Trump’s emotional vulnerability—his “dejected walk” from Marine One—serves as a poignant reminder of the human aspects of political figures often overshadowed by their larger-than-life personas. This image of defeat contrasts sharply with the fervent energy he sought to evoke at his rallies. It also invites reflection on the psychological toll that public service can take on leaders when their public personas crumble. Historically, leaders like Richard Nixon have faced similar downfalls, revealing that the psychological dimensions of leadership are as consequential as political strategy. This connection highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in political discourse, particularly when confronting figures whose failures have far-reaching consequences for the populace.
Moreover, the commentary's notion of Trump’s “junkie”-like dependency on crowd adoration reflects a broader societal issue: the cult of personality that often surrounds populist leaders. This is not just about Trump; it is a phenomenon observed in various global contexts, where leaders cultivate a loyalty that can insulate them from accountability. Such dynamics raise critical questions about the role of media and public engagement in shaping political discourse. As citizens, it is imperative to remain vigilant against the allure of charismatic figures who promise simplistic solutions to complex problems. The rise of social media has further complicated this landscape, as misinformation and sensationalism can drown out substantive discourse, a challenge that we must address collectively.
Ultimately, Trump's story is not just a personal saga of triumphs and failures; it is emblematic of broader social struggles. The rise and fall of such figures should compel us to examine the systemic issues that allow for their ascendance in the first place. The political landscape is rife with challenges that require thoughtful engagement, collaboration, and advocacy for progressive policies that address the root causes of inequality and injustice. It is through this lens that we can harness the lessons from Trump’s trajectory—ensuring that future leaders are held to account, that our political discourse promotes inclusivity, and that we collectively strive for a society that values compassion over celebrity, substance over spectacle. By framing the conversation around these critical issues, we can cultivate a political environment that prioritizes the needs and voices of the many over the whims of the few.
In the wake of the recent events surrounding former President Donald Trump, it is crucial to reflect not only on his political theatrics but also on the broader implications they hold for American democracy. The article paints a vivid picture of Trump as a “TV President,” a characterization that resonates deeply in an era where media manipulation and spectacle often overshadow substantive political discourse. This phenomenon is not new; the blending of politics and entertainment has roots in the 20th century, exemplified by figures such as Ronald Reagan, who transitioned from Hollywood to the White House. Yet, Trump has taken this merger to new heights, leveraging his media savvy and the 24-hour news cycle to craft a persona that thrives on public attention and adulation.
Historically, the allure of celebrity in politics has been a double-edged sword. While it can galvanize support and energize a base, it can also lead to an erosion of genuine political engagement. The article discusses a specific instance during the pandemic, highlighting how Trump’s rally in Tulsa turned into a spectacle that showcased his desperation for validation amidst a backdrop of public health crisis. This moment serves as a reminder of the dangers of prioritizing image over substance. As citizens, we must recognize that such performances are not merely entertainment; they have real consequences for our political landscape and democratic institutions. The spectacle of Trump’s rallies, filled with fervent supporters yet marked by empty seats, symbolizes a disconnect between his narrative and the lived realities of many Americans.
In response to the current political climate, it is essential for Americans to advocate for a more informed and engaged citizenry. This can be achieved by promoting critical media literacy, urging individuals to question the narratives constructed around political figures. By fostering discussions that dissect the motivations behind political performances, we can empower people to discern between genuine leadership and mere showmanship. Educational initiatives that emphasize the history of media in politics can help contextualize contemporary issues, allowing citizens to see beyond the surface-level drama to the underlying policies and their implications on everyday life.
Moreover, we must actively engage in grassroots organizing and local activism to counteract the allure of media-driven politics. By building strong communities rooted in shared values and collective action, we can create a counter-narrative that elevates substantive issues over performative politics. This includes mobilizing around issues like climate change, healthcare, and social justice, which demand our attention far more than the antics of any one individual. By focusing on local and national issues that affect our communities, we can galvanize support and encourage a more robust political dialogue, one that transcends the circus-like atmosphere often perpetuated by figures like Trump.
Lastly, as we reflect on the implications of Trump’s return to the political stage, it is vital to remain vigilant against the normalization of divisive rhetoric and anti-democratic behavior. The article hints at the fears around dissent and the consequences of challenging Trump’s narrative, exemplified by the removal of critical content from social media. In this context, we must advocate for the protection of free speech and the importance of diverse viewpoints in public discourse. Encouraging open dialogue and resistance to censorship will help safeguard the democratic principles that are currently under threat. By fostering an environment where dissenting voices can be heard, we can work toward a more resilient democracy that prioritizes the collective good over individual egos.
In conclusion, Trump's political saga serves as a cautionary tale about the intersections of media, spectacle, and governance. Rather than being passive observers of this drama, we must take proactive steps to cultivate a politically engaged populace that values substance over spectacle. Through education, grassroots organizing, and a commitment to open dialogue, we can challenge the status quo and work towards a more equitable and just society. It is essential that we transform our discontent into action, ensuring that the narrative of American politics is not dictated by the whims of a singular figure but reflects the diverse voices and experiences of all its citizens.
Analyzing the article from a critical perspective, it’s clear that the narrative around former President Trump continues to generate considerable public interest and concern. While the article paints a picture of a “worn-out” Trump, it also raises broader issues about political engagement, media representation, and the responsibilities of citizens. Here’s a detailed list of actions we can personally take to address these issues and promote a more engaged and informed electorate.
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Stay Informed and Educate Others**: - Share accurate information about political events and figures. Engage in discussions to debunk misinformation and promote critical thinking. - **Action**: Start a book club focusing on political literature or current events that encourage critical discussions.
2. **Support Grassroots Movements**: - Engage with local organizations that advocate for democracy, social justice, and equitable policies. - **Action**: Research and volunteer for organizations in your area like the Sunrise Movement (for climate action) or local voter registration drives.
3. **Participate in Local Governance**: - Attend city council meetings or school board discussions to make your voice heard on local issues. - **Action**: Find out when local government meetings are held (check your city’s website) and commit to attending one this month.
4. **Advocate for Media Accountability**: - Encourage responsible journalism by calling out misinformation and supporting outlets that provide factual reporting. - **Action**: Write to media organizations that you feel are not holding political figures accountable.
### Exact Actions We Can Personally Take
1. **Petitions**: - **Action**: Start or sign petitions on platforms like Change.org or Care2 that address issues related to democracy and accountability. - Example: A petition demanding transparency in political campaign financing.
2. **Contact Elected Officials**: - **Who to Write To**: Reach out to your congressional representatives and senators. - **Example Contacts**: - **Senator Elizabeth Warren**: Email: senator_warren@warren.senate.gov, Mailing Address: 2400 JFK Federal Building, 15 New Sudbury St, Boston, MA 02203 - **Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez**: Email: aoc@mail.house.gov, Mailing Address: 3144 Congressional Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515
3. **What to Say**: - Draft a clear, concise message addressing specific issues such as accountability in media, the importance of protecting voting rights, or the need for climate action. - Sample Message: “Dear [Official's Name], I urge you to take a stand against misinformation in our media and to support initiatives that ensure transparency and accountability in our political system. It’s crucial that we foster an informed electorate. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
4. **Social Media Campaigns**: - Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to amplify awareness about political issues and engage in discussions. - **Action**: Create posts or threads that highlight the importance of civic engagement and share resources for how to get involved.
5. **Host Community Events**: - Organize events such as town halls, panel discussions, or workshops that address political engagement and advocacy. - **Action**: Partner with local libraries or community centers to host an event focused on the importance of voting and civic participation.
### Conclusion
Engaging in these actions contributes to a healthier political discourse and strengthens our democracy. By staying informed, advocating for transparency, and participating in local governance, we can create a more engaged and responsible electorate. It’s vital that we take these steps to ensure accountability and foster a political landscape that reflects the values of our communities.