This UFC insult sparked praise for Michelle Obama — and highlighted a very Trumpian pattern
After winning a cage match in front of the White House on Sunday, UFC fighter Josh Hokit paused his postfight interview to take a vulgar swipe at former first lady Michelle Obama.
In the days that followed, Obama began trending across social media — not because of the insult, but because Americans responded by celebrating her, sharing elegant portraits, highlighting her accomplishments and praising the grace and dignity she brought to public life.
It is a familiar pattern in the Trump era. First comes the clumsy effort to glorify the president and demean his perceived opponents. Then comes the public reaction that elevates the very people and values he is trying to diminish.
Trump reminded Americans of everything they appreciated about the Obamas.
President Donald Trump wanted Americans to celebrate his birthday with a big UFC fight. Instead, he reminded Americans of everything they appreciated about the Obamas.
He wanted to be greeted as a native son at a Knicks game in Madison Square Garden. Instead, New Yorkers booed when his face flashed on the jumbotron, and fans literally burned sage to spiritually cleanse the arena after he left.
He wanted the nation to honor him during the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Instead, he saw headlines dominated by canceled performances and announcements of rival events, including a star-studded concert at the Obama presidential library.
Trump wants love, but he doesn’t know how to win it. He wants respect, but he doesn’t know how to earn it. He wants to be feared, but he doesn’t know how to inspire it.
Frustrated, he turns to forced displays of loyalty and empty threats. And Americans respond with ridicule or something he may find worse: indifference.
Trump demanded a Nobel Peace Prize and happily settled for a made-up one from FIFA. No one cared. But fans poured into the streets to celebrate when the Knicks won the NBA championship, because the team earned it by pushing past years of disappointment and working hard.
Michael Steele
Michael Steele is a co-host of “The Weeknight,” which airs Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. ET on MS NOW.
