In a significant change from the practices of his most recent predecessors, President Donald Trump like calling and being called by lawmakers directly at all hours, according to a Tuesday Washington Post report.
For Trump, it’s a chance to chat and use his most loyal lawmakers as a sounding board. For the members of Congress, it’s the only way to know for sure what the President is thinking, since his staff can rarely keep up.
Earning spots on Trump’s most frequently called list are Sens. David Perdue (R-GA), Rand Paul (R-KY), Lindsey O. Graham (R-SC), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Cory Gardner (R-CO), John Barrasso (R-WY), Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Joni Ernst (R-IA).
Trump is uniquely accessible to lawmakers, especially when compared to former President Barack Obama. Obama reportedly preferred formal conversations with schedules, agendas and channels — Trump likes freewheeling chats about whatever crosses his mind.
He’s the MAN! He’s the GO TO GUY! He’s alone on a rainy parched beach!
There’s also the chance that you’ll be the 10th caller and be the one who convinces him.
It says a lot that the minority leader in the house is not on that list, nor anybody from their leadership team.
Trump likes freewheeling chats about whatever crosses his mind.
Bullshitting is so much more fun than substantive conversation.