LA Times Front Page: European govts rethinking their reliance on USA as ally...So I read the story at the Los Angeles Times and what do I learn? Sure, those governments are rethinking NATO, but the story says they've concluded they really have no choice but to do what Trump wants.
Germany and other NATO members resent Trump’s public scolding for their failure to meet the alliance’s target of 2% percent of GDP on defense, (snip) but some alliance members privately admit that redoubling their effort to comply with his demands is their only viable option.Trump obviously knows they have no alternative. It is why he didn't try to charm them as he did Putin, who does have alternatives.
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My clue to understanding Trump: he's a salesman. Therefore, he bullies those with no alternatives, and charms those who could easily go either way. It's his time-tested modus operandi.
The secret to dealing with Trump is to have obvious viable alternatives, then he'll most likely be charming and flattering to you. Which you shouldn't mistake for actual liking, he's selling and he hopes you're buying.
