Trump tried to deny climate change, without denying climate change, but 60 Minutes called Trump’s favorite technique of attributing his opinions to masses by claiming “they say.”

Video:

Here was the exchange:

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Trump: I’m not denying climate change. But it could very well go back. You know, we’re talking about over a millions–

Stahl: But that’s denying it.

Trump: –Of years. They say that we had hurricanes that were far worse than what we just had with Michael.

Stahl: Who says that? “They say”?

Trump: People say. People say that in the–

Stahl: Yeah, but what about the scientists who say it’s worse than ever?

Trump: You’d have to show me the scientists, because they have a very big political agenda, Lesley.

Stahl: I can’t bring them in.

Trump: Look, scientists also have a political agenda.

The Press Isn’t Playing With Trump Anymore

Trump has been attributing his opinions to “them” for decades. There is no popular opinion for Trump to cite. When the president says, “they say” he is talking about himself and his own opinions. Trump is making it up.

The press has caught on that they can never take Trump word for it on anything, which is why Stahl immediately pushed back on him by wanting to know who “they” are.

The 60 Minutes interview showed why Trump isn’t allowed to do serious television interviews with objective journalists. The President couldn’t make it through the first question without telling a lie and being challenged. Trump is so used to inventing his own facts that he expects everyone to believe him, but that isn’t the way that the presidency works, and 60 Minutes quickly exposed Trump as being unable to handle a serious interview.

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Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association