With an unpredictable, abrasive, threatening and manipulative president of the United States, world leaders need masterclasses in Donald management or their countries may suffer.
So, as our PM packs the plane to head to his first real meeting with Mr Trump, he needs a plan.
Here’s one strategy from a respected American commentator who has been analysing Trump for years.
Second, bow the head and treat him like the royalty he admires.
Third, recognise that traditional ties no longer exist.
And fourth, he’s a salesman, always remember that.
Before he’s branded as a left-wing part of the “fake news” conspiracy, it must be said Kirchick is seen in the US as a conservative commentator, although he admits voting Democrat recently.
He loathes Nazis and what they stand for but says they have the right to march in the streets.
He is critical of immigration levels.
And he says the people must be armed in case they need to protect themselves from a “tyrannical and authoritarian” government.
But back to Trump management.
- He is hugely inconsistent. After there was political violence, he said the country must come together, then soon after called for the destruction of the left.
- He primarily believes in himself.
- He has a deep need for approval.
- He is contradictory – he admires strength but seeks subservience.
- He wants to be remembered for “making America strong” and respected.
And China, which is expanding in the Pacific, lustfully eyeing Taiwan and both duchessing and spying on Australia.
Will the US step in if needed?
KIRCHICK: “Well, he responds to strength in the way that, if you saw the Israeli attack on the Iranian nuclear sites, which was successful in its initial stage, and then he decided, all right, I want to be a part of this. I want to be able to claim credit for it.
“So if you’re ever in some kind of spat with the Chinese in the Pacific, you better damn make sure you’re doing well.
“If you’re not doing well, then he’s not going to come in and save you. I mean, he’s just not.
MITCHELL: Really? That’s frightening to Australia. It is frightening.
KIRCHICK: Look, I was maybe being a little facetious. I would hope in a situation like that, that Donald Trump has people around him, who would be telling him, ‘Mr President, it’s very important for the United States that we support our allies in this situation. It’s good for us. It’ll make us look strong. It’ll make us respected. And it’ll send a message to the Chinese. Don’t f— with us.'”
So are the tantrums and absurdly extreme statements tactical or genuine? What do we believe?
“He’s a salesman and he always has been. If you look at where his money came from, it’s from selling things.
“Like many salesmen, he makes big, grand promises. That’s just part of his nature, that’s part of his personality.
“And I do think to some extent in his negotiating strategy and he’s very open about this, he puts it on the table and his opening offer will be something outrageous, you know, just something totally outrageous.”
Finally, although it makes the left shudder, does he really want the Nobel Peace Prize?
“I think he absolutely wants it. He’s been saying for a long time that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
“And by the way, I would say he deserves it a lot more than Barack Obama did.
“Barack Obama got it eight months into his presidency.
Neil Mitchell Asks Why is a Nine podcast posted each Tuesday at 6am.
