The Dictatorship
This UFC insult sparked praise for Michelle Obama — and highlighted a very Trumpian pattern
ByMichael Steele
After winning a cage match in front of the White House on Sunday, UFC fighter Josh Hokit paused his postfight interview to take a vulgar swipe at former first lady Michelle Obama.
In the days that followed, Obama began trending across social media — not because of the insult, but because Americans responded by celebrating hersharing elegant portraits, highlighting her accomplishments and praising the grace and dignity she brought to public life.
It is a familiar pattern in the Trump era. First comes the clumsy effort to glorify the president and demean his perceived opponents. Then comes the public reaction that elevates the very people and values he is trying to diminish.
Trump reminded Americans of everything they appreciated about the Obamas.
President Donald Trump wanted Americans to celebrate his birthday with a big UFC fight. Instead, he reminded Americans of everything they appreciated about the Obamas.
He wanted to be greeted as a native son at a Knicks game in Madison Square Garden. Instead, New Yorkers booed when his face flashed on the jumbotron, and fans literally burned sage to spiritually cleanse the arena after he left.
He wanted the nation to honor him during the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Instead, he saw headlines dominated by canceled performances and announcements of rival events, including a star-studded concert at the Obama presidential library.
Trump wants love, but he doesn’t know how to win it. He wants respect, but he doesn’t know how to earn it. He wants to be feared, but he doesn’t know how to inspire it.
Frustrated, he turns to forced displays of loyalty and empty threats. And Americans respond with ridicule or something he may find worse: indifference.
Trump demanded a Nobel Peace Prize and happily settled for a made-up one from FIFA. No one cared. But fans poured into the streets to celebrate when the Knicks won the NBA championshipbecause the team earned it by pushing past years of disappointment and working hard.
The president has spent most of his political career demeaning immigrants and putting down other countries. But soccer fans from around the world are celebrating World Cup wins with one another as immigrant communities around the U.S. are glued to their TVs.
Sports is the great leveler. It’s not just about the skills and athleticism, it’s about strangers in the stands sharing a history and having faith in the players’ ability to show what hard work and dedication can produce.
It’s part of the American story. Sports do not know class or race. When a team wins, it’s a celebration of community and shared purpose.
Trump doesn’t understand that because he doesn’t know what it’s like to belong. He can’t imagine being part of a group without being in charge and making it afraid of him. He doesn’t know how to play a game that isn’t rigged in his favor, or how to lose gracefully and shake hands.
So perhaps it’s not surprising that his big UFC cage match ended not with an outpouring of excitement from fans, but with a crude insult.
For more thought-provoking insights from Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders Townsend, watch“The Weeknight”every Monday-Friday at 7 p.m. ET on MS NOW.
Michael Steele
Michael Steele is a co-host of “The Weeknight,” which airs Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. ET on MS NOW.