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Donald Trump Insists He's "The Least Racist," "Wonderful"
By
John Del Signore
Published May 2, 2011
Modified May 2, 2011
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By
John Del Signore
Published May 2, 2011
Modified May 2, 2011
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Donald Trump's fixation on how President Obama got into Columbia and Harvard has been seen by many as a not-so-subtle suggestion that he only got into an Ivy League school simply because of affirmative action. African-American professor Michael Eric Dyson calls this "racism by inference," and told "Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer, "[Obama] is standing in for the rest of us as African-Americans. We are constantly questioned as to our legitimacy—whether we belong or not." Even David Letterman took Trump to task, saying that he should be prepared to apologize at an upcoming Late Show appearance. In response, Trump canceled and sent Dave one of his peevish letters.
"I was disappointed to hear the statements you made about me last night on your show that I was a 'racist,' " Trump wrote to Letterman. "In actuality, nothing could be further from the truth and there is nobody who is less of a racist than Donald Trump. Based upon your statements, and despite the fact that we have always done so well together, especially in your ratings, I am canceling my May 18th appearance on your show." Oh noes, now who will tune in to watch Letterman's show on May 18th???
Trump also told CNN he's the "least racist," adding, "I am a wonderful person as far as you would be concerned as to race. And I think everybody that knows me knows that." When asked about his recent use of the term "the blacks" to refer to black people, Trump played the old 'I have black friends' card: "I have many, many black friends who said to me, 'absolutely not a problem.' " Schieffer isn't having it, and said Sunday that Trump's skepticism about Obama's Ivy League worthiness is "just code for saying 'he got into law school because he's black.' This is an ugly strain of racism that's running through this whole thing."
And in a very entertaining interview with the NY Times from his Vegas hotel suite, Trump lashed out at the jokes made at his expense at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. "Seth Meyers has no talent," Trump told the Times. "He fell totally flat. In fact, I thought Seth’s delivery was so bad that he hurt himself." He also explained that he didn't laugh at the jokes because "I am not looking to laugh along with my enemies. It was like a roast of Donald Trump." The tycoon also took a moment to explain his opposition to same-sex marriage, putting it terms all American voters can surely understand:
It’s like in golf. A lot of people — I don’t want this to sound trivial — but a lot of people are switching to these really long putters, very unattractive,” said Mr. Trump, a Republican. “It’s weird. You see these great players with these really long putters, because they can’t sink three-footers anymore. And, I hate it. I am a traditionalist. I have so many fabulous friends who happen to be gay, but I am a traditionalist.
And this just in! Trump has addressed the news of bin Laden's death. "I want to personally congratulate President Obama and the men and women of the Armed Forces for a job well done," Trump said in a statement. "I am so proud to see Americans standing shoulder to shoulder, waving the American flag in celebration of this great victory. We should spend the next several days not debating party politics, but in remembrance of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and those currently fighting for our freedom. God Bless America!"
So for the next several days, if you The Donald, remember 9/11; don't boo him:
Tagged
president obama
barack obama
donald trump
affirmative action
racism
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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