I have no idea where to start with Donald Trump. That’s how I’ve been starting so many Trump posts these days, I know, but it’s always true. The way he quickly cycles through controversies, flubs, mistakes, lies and horrendous scandals is mind-boggling. Just in the past 24 hours, Donald Trump has once again refused to acknowledge that President Barack Obama was born in the United States. Eric and Donald Trump Jr. have lied their faces off about their father’s taxes and invoked the Holocaust in a particularly tortured metaphor. And now the Trump Farce has taken over late-night TV. Last night, Trump appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. It’s a smart choice for political candidates because Fallon is not any kind of heavy-hitter, nor is he a good interviewer. And now people are like “Did Jimmy Fallon just humanize a terrible fascist bigot?” The answer is yes. Jimmy Fallon would have made Adolf Hitler play charades.
So, here are the clips from the Tonight Show. This video features softball questions about why someone would want to be president.
Here’s Jimmy messing up Trump’s hair:
Trump on how he “doesn’t know” Vladimir Putin. He says “I know nothing about” Putin. They also talk debates. He also defends Matt Lauer’s sh-tty performance at that presidential forum a week ago.
Talking about his health and how he hasn’t gotten sick at all during the campaign and he eats a lot of fast food.
I just… ugh. I can see why Trump agreed to this, of course. He knew that Fallon would softball him throughout the interview. But here’s the real question: why did NBC and the Tonight Show producers think this was okay? It’s not okay.
Also: this has sort of been lost in the craziness this week, but Melania Trump’s lawyers finally “explained” her immigration status back in the ‘90s. Only they really didn’t explain anything at all. It’s really complicated, but you can read some great reporting here at Mother Jones.
In his defense, Jimmy Fallon just pulled in a 35 share among white supremacists 18-49.
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) September 16, 2016
People will criticise Jimmy Fallon for giving Trump an easy time, but Fallon will be the only late night host to survive Trump Purge Night.
— Chris Hewitt (@ChrisHewitt) September 16, 2016
Jimmy Fallon's brand is "Everything is Awesome!" which is great until "everything" turns out to include the rise of xenophobic fascism
— Arthur Chu (@arthur_affect) September 16, 2016
Awww Jimmy Fallon ruffled Trump's hair and then goofed around with him for ten minutes. What a funny, adorable response to fascism!
— Birdy (@palebirdy) September 16, 2016
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Well if you’re running for president you should probably know something about Putin. For chrissake.
I’m disappointed with Jimmy Fallon. Treating Trump like an acceptable and even fun human being is an offense to minorities, women, and basically anyone who’s not an angry racist.
Putin would eat him alive in a meeting and Trump wouldn’t even notice.
Saw a former KGB analyst do an interview and said part of their tactic was to puff up people that love compliments or are egoists. He believes Putin so call compliments Trump cause he knows he is that easy to manipulate.
I can no longer look a Cheeto in the face and snack on it.
Trump has forever ruined one of my top favorite crunch snacks.
I see Cheetos I think of Trump and move on to sunflower seeds….healthier and less orange 🙂
It’s the same way that I somewhat blame SNL for GWB, the way they portrayed him as a lovable doofus instead of the dangerous disaster he would be.
And he has said before how much he admires Putin and respects him. So his “I know nothing about him” is more misdirection and lies.
Trump’s beliefs are harder to pin down than a unicorn fart.
Sigh. Interviews like this are why I’ve given up on Fallon and have turned to Seth Meyers for my late night fare. Just as funny, but way more intelligent, and includes some sharp political commentary. Fallon is for teenagers.
I agree Tiny Martian as I’ve also given up on Fallon and turned to Seth for my late night fun. Fallon is nothing but Jay Leno II.
I tend to agree. Fallon is very likable….but after tuning in for months…the show seemed to be “more of the same” every night. Arms and hands waving…telling each guest the same thing about how wonderful they are…and then all his silly frat boy games i.e.: breaking raw eggs over guests heads…playing bluff with boxes and him trying to outshine every singer performing on the show i.e.: Justin Timberlake for example…and the pretend you can read lips with earmuffs on…just got very juvenile after a while.
Fallon is for sale. Period.
Ugh sick of these people downplaying what a disaster is having a fascist leading a whole country down the gutter because it just fits on their world domination narrative.
I was born in Mussolini’s country, I know it too well. People should read more history books.
Ahhh, but that was in the past, over there. That would never happen here.
My eye roll was so intense it should be visible wherever you are.
Right?! I heard someone say “well- we know what others will do but we need change and Trump is the unknown” No.he.is.not Just read a history book, look under fascists dictators- it’s not that hard and we are not that special.
My history teacher used to always say “we learn so that history does not repeat itself” and I rolled my eyes so hard. I am so grateful, now, for those lessons.
@MC2
Unfortunately history repeats itself continuously and shows that the human race is dumb as rocks then… I agree with your sentiment and with people voluntarily ‘unlearning’ history when it suits them.
@detritus
Tell me about it. My eye rolls should be visible in USA too, given that I’m in UK and all the fascists are on the loose after the referendum.
It is also strange that many do not know that fascism is born in Italy (we’ve a knack for extremely bad stuff, like mafia and fascism, and extremely good stuff like tiramisu, pizza, etc.) and that the ‘fasces’ were actually symbols of power in Roman and Etruscan hierarchy. History repeats itself continuously..
Sorry guys to have exported the bad stuff too….. *runs off full of guilt*
I am becoming more and more nervous about this election. Things I never thought were possible, are happening daily and the press is failing us. Where are the tough questions? Why is there no outrage? I am afraid for us all. And I’m not even exaggerating.
That’s a great point about the lack of outrage. I even get mad at my boyfriend for that. He keeps saying Trump is an idiot and I keep telling him that no, he’s hateful. And by dismissing him as merely an idiot it actually helps normalize his hate. I am also really afraid (and even when I disliked previous republican candidates I was never actually afraid) and so angry that so many people are okay with what Trump is selling. It’s funny, I used to read celebrity gossip for an escape from the horrors of the real world and now this has turned into my support group to help me make it through the next month and a half!
He’s a hateful idiot. I’m disappointed in Fallon.
This site has become my support group too, especially the commenters. When I see every day how many millions of people wholeheartedly support Trump’s racism, misogyny, infantile bullying, dangerous levels of ignorance, and all around bigotry and grossness, it’s very depressing and impossible for me to imagine how it’s possible. Then I come on here and read all the comments and feel a lot of much needed reassurance that there are lots of good people in the world, who see it too. So thanks to all of you for that! xox
I’m with you Lenn. I can’t remember being so worried. Until this election is over I can’t rest.
A bunch of former Obama staffers got together and do a bi-weekly podcast called Keepin it 1600. (I’m Canadian, I don’t know these guys or anything) It’s a fascinating inside-baseball look at the campaign, the tactics, the strategy, the polling, etc. They’re totally in the tank for Clinton, and they fret about Trump also. Hope no one minds the plug,(!) but that podcast is helping me stay sane.
@Red Snapper, just subscribed. Thanks! The insanity of all of this is really making me me feel ill. It’s becoming some kind of dystopia and listening to people who still have some level of perspective and decency really helps!
I’m terrified. How can people put someone in power who has no experience, other than acting like a mafia boss who can decide that he just doesn’t want to pay people? Who thinks its ok to discriminate against minority renters, and keeps doing it even when he gets in trouble with the Justice Department? What does this say about my fellow Americans that they think this person who clearly has not taken the time to educate himself about the issues is an acceptable choice for President?
He’ll start another war based on someone flipping him off.
I don’t know what to say or do or think anymore. How is this hateful, bigoted, racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, liar, buffoon so close to the presidency? And why is the mainstream media helping him? I am getting more freaked out and scared and angry by the day. As for Fallon, I hope that some day he feels some shame for his part in this tragedy.
I’m with you, Jess. These are frightening times indeed and seeing Jimmy mess up Trump’s hair only fueled my growing terror about where our country is headed.
We have apparently become unable to identify and stay focused on key questions, such as qualifications and conflicts of interest (tax returns).
Each day brings a new tide of at least four nonsensical (yet deflecting) headlines from his camp. And it just washes away the REAL questions that remain unanswered while we debate things such as the candidates’ weight, hair and food choices.
Those things are boring! Focus on the Wall! Emails! Pneumonia!
JESS, I liked your comment SO much, I wonder if it’s OK with you if I excerpt it on my FB post?? You said succinctly exactly what I feel, and I’m getting so scared, I’m going to break my resolution of no politics, because it’s so divisive. Having Trump as president is such a frightening possibility.
Hi Nikki, thanks for the compliment and feel free to copy, excerpt, anything you like. We just need to keep getting the word out there about what a monster he is – given that the so called liberal media is in the tank for him!
PS I struggle with the same thing on Facebook. I hate to get political on there but have to now – this is getting too real and too scary.
That’s more what unsettles me, too. The media response to him is just mindblowing. It would be one thing if he were a traditionally conservative candidate – I wouldn’t care about the softballing. I can live with a Mitt Romney or even Ted Cruz, even if I don’t agree with their values. But what Trump represents is something far more dangerous. The kind of violence and ethnic tension he’s stirring up and validating isn’t a joke, and it won’t be disappearing even if he loses.
And OTOH Colbert hammered Trump last night in his monologue.
Yes, but it’s hard to take any consolation from that because Colbert, unfortunately, is preaching to the choir.
My consolation is that I believe SC draws a lot of young people and maybe they’ll be fired up to vote.
It is imperative that we vote for HRC! Don’t sit on the sidelines, every vote will count!!
Everyone is treating Trump like a clown. He shows up, saying horrible sh*t and the media’s reaction is “That’s Our Donald!”.
And Jimmy Fallon is the worst.
I can’t stand Jimmy Fallon. He’s become a complete buffoon.
Interesting that NBC adores DT, since his reality show was on their network for years.
As a Brit, the stupid people voting in the ‘fool’ lumbered as with Boris Johnson as Mayor of London. I really, really hope for all our sakes that the same doesn’t happen with Trump as it will be a global disaster. And that is not hyperbole.
Also, I can’t watch Fallon. He mutters and garbles and giggles constantly during interviews and it drives me NUTS. Just STFU already.
Every clown car needs a Bozo.
I can never get through a Fallon interview. His whole demeanour is so contrived, that fake laugh and that fake look of affability. So fake and annoying. The only thing that saves that show are the games. Theres no way I would watch both Trump and Fallon on the same show, too much oatmeal and cheetos for me, thanks
In ireland we have very strict rules about interviews with politicians during elections on our state run tv and radio shows. It’s all about balance if they bring one side on they have to give the other side similar airtime and they cannot show their bias in any way, like through the types of questions they ask.
Maybe whatever channel Fallon is on has a similar policy? I don’t know much about how American tv works but I would be curious to know if you guys have anything similar in place.
The US used to have this but not for a while. Gotta run,hope to add more later.
I don’t think there are rules, per se, especially for a fluff show like Fallon’s. But it didn’t surprise me that they had Trump on since they did also have Hillary on. As much as I despise Trump, I can see why they’d want to feature both candidates.
i dont think so but i read about Colbert reaching out to Republicans before he started his new show. its too big of an audience to alienate.
they care only about money and ratings. i mean i understand not being totally one sided but maybe the best would be not to invite politicans to that at all. other countries are doing fine without presidents who are cool in late night shows.
We have balance rules on broadcast media here in the UK. But not print media. TV news stations aren’t allowed to editorialise at all. Mind you, our version of Fox News that airs on Murdoch’s Sky network has been censured loads of times for bias by OFCOM but it has yet to lose its licence.
We had the Fairness Doctrine, but that’s long gone.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairness_Doctrine
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-fairness-doctrine-in-one-post/2011/08/23/gIQAN8CXZJ_blog.html
Ours isn’t state run TV, it’s paid for by advertisers. There are rules for political ads, paid for by endorsers. I’m sure the FCC has some rules, but equal air time seems to have gone by the wayside.
The balance laws in most countries apply equally to any public service broadcaster and all commercial broadcasters. Nothing to do with it being state-run.
Never liked Fallon, now I hate him.
Ditto. He makes Jay Leno look good by comparison!
I have never enjoyed Fallon’s schtick, but this was so disappointing: pandering to a boorish, racist, obnoxious thin-skinned Tangerine Tinpot like this? Reprehensible.
did they sedated him? where is that mad dog bark?
Fallon is a gutless wonder.
In Fallon’s defense, he was probably drunk.
It appalls me that Jimmy Fallon took Johnny Carson’s legendary Tonight Show (that once conducted serious* interviews like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXtiDVYvVK8) and turned it into Children’s Hour. Fallon’s the worst.
* = Not an endorsement of this speaker, just illustrating how far late night TV has fallen.
A dog and pony show is what it is. It’s embarrassing.
Fallon didn’t take over Johnny Carson’s tonight show ,he took over Jay Leno’s tonight show. It’s a big difference. Leno already turned it into children’s hour. Fallon is keeping that alive.
@Fingerbinger, I’ve been watching the Tonight Show since the 1970s so I don’t need the history lesson. Jay Leno wasn’t great – and certainly no Johnny – but he’s waaay better than Fallon could ever hope to be.
@Prairiegirl You missed the point. The tonight show is a shadow of it’s former self. It’s been like that since Leno took over. Fallon stayed with Leno’s format instead of going back to Carson’s format. I was agreeing with you but never mind. Have nice day.
Tonewise, Carsons true heir was always Letterman. Lenos brand was about being “safe” and Fallon has just taken that to its logical conclusion. I still seek Conan out once in awhile. The leno debacle really took the spark out of his eyes but he is still way better than Mickey Mouse Fallon.
Agree with all of the above posters. It’s getting scarier, with Trump doing “charming” and HRC’s health drama, I’m really really concerned Trump may pull this thing off. VOTE!!!
If he is so bad, why is Hillary not winning right now? Maybe people just aren’t that into her either?
Agreed ^
She is winning according to the last poll result i heard.
She’s not winning in some polls. Trump is ahead but not by much in Ohio and Florida. This will no doubt change but it’s frightening.
The race is tightening up. Which is too be expected, but still worrisome.
http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2016-election-forecast/?ex_cid=rrpromo
Because she is being treated completely different by the media. Because Trump lies about both his record and hers, and never gets called on it.
When you set different standards for candidates, you will get different outcomes.
Exactly! The media’s false equivalencies are hurting Clinton and helping Trump. And this little thing called sexism certainly helps Trump too.
I ask this question too. Should she not be winning by a landslide if Trump is as odious as he presents?
Odious people have won elections before. Unfortunately.
I know that Fallon soft pedaled the interview, but to me he made up for it with the hair mussing. Fallon really was very energetic about it, and afterwards I thought Trump looked like a fool. Those long, long strands of hair sticking up. I once read a description of his hair that described it as folded like origami, and with that long hair sticking up I believe it!
i don’t expect the guy who got famous for intentionally breaking character in every SNL skit to pull attention off the main players to be judicious in how his show gets ratings.
^^This!!^^
Lordy it pissed me off how he was lauded on SNL when it was obvious he was breaking character to get laughs – it became his “thing” and he thought it was endearing. I just thought it annoying AF.
Fallon is such a butt kisser, I’m not surprised. I wonder if deep down Jimmy Fallon has any shame?
I bet the Guys in The Roots were THRILLED to see Jimmy invite a person that says the sh!t he says, to pal Around and provide lighthearted Likeabilty, no less!!!
Apparently they loved it.
http://www.gq.com/story/the-roots-fallon-donald-trump?mbid=social_twitter
This is when I miss Letterman. It would have been a far different interview.
The Con is playing the media. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are on TV now, calling him (and them) out on it after today’s latest stunt.
Yet the sensible quotes the Caucus members are putting out there will likely never reach most voters, because the Con, the greasy boys or super-daughter will say or do something else within the hour to grab attention.
This is so disappointing! Robert Greenblatt (CEO of NBC) whatever happened to not letting Orangino appear on your network again? If Orangino wins I’m blaming you Jimmy Fallon!
Unpopular opinion, but I see nothing wrong with Jimmy’s actions. I don’t watch his show regularly, but it’s not a show driven by political commentary, correct? (Unlike e.g. Colbert) He is a celebrity-pandering talk show host…he’s not an independent journalist or news agency. His brand is playing goofy games with guests and asking really softball questions. He doesn’t even call out garden variety celebrities on their BS – do we really expect him to call out a presidential candidate?
Jimmy’s job is to make his guests look better, funnier, more interesting and more charismatic than they really are. I think he did that. I didn’t expect him to walk off the show or ask Trump where is tax returns are. I would expect (hope) he’d treat HRC the same way.
That’s Fallon’s schtick though. He’s not really a heavy hitter when it comes to journalism. He’s a goofball who does goofball antics.
And yeah I hate Trump and have no interest in watching him, but I can also understand why Fallon/NBC would have him on. For the ratings.
Ugh, I really dislike Fallon for this. Next up: Beer pong with David Duke.
This is why I’m always lecturing people on voter apathy. This is what it leads to. I don’t think he’s going to win, but the fact he’s even a candidate is terrifying. Hopefully this is the wakeup call the US needs. America always goes on about democracy but I don’t see democracy in a country where a minority candidate can win due to lack of voter turnout.
It’s not really Jimmy Fallon’s fault that he softballed Trump and had him on as a guest though, is it? Or does he have control over what he asks and who he invites on the show?
I have asked people to just stop watching NBC. This with Fallon was a disgrace especially after all the names he has called veterans. I have yet to hear of any trump members going into the military. As for NBC their preference for Trump has become clear. When he was basically out if the picture they had him on Saturday Night Live an insult to hispanics, so why should we support NBC and GE. I know i dont. NBC is blocked. All their channels are blocked. No support here.