The country noticed Trump’s highly concerning mannerism and spastic motion during this morning’s West Point commencement address, which we have already covered here. The spasm and inability to take a drink couldn’t be papered-over and lit-up Twitter, people openly discussed what could cause such alarming symptoms.

The conversation led to a topic which we have covered here before, that being that Trump has shown a dramatic decline in cognitive function over just the last 4 years. Aaron Rupar, the Twitter star who works for Vox media, often posts video from Trump events that we use in our commentary and reporting. Today, Rupar posted juxtaposed video, one from Trump’s “introduction speech,” the one announcing his candidacy in 2015, versus the speech he gave today at West Point.

The dramatic difference should concern everyone. This man has the launch codes in his wallet, and that computer football to initiate them. No one in this amount of decline should be entrusted with such responsibility.

Note the difference in the video, and then below we’ll post some reactions and possible explanations:

Compare and contrast: Trump speaking during his June 2015 campaign launch speech vs. Trump speaking at West Point today, almost exactly five years later pic.twitter.com/qDFmkNBVmj

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 13, 2020

True. Today’s speech was more formal. It wasn’t the type to throw around a bunch of “quirkiness.” That is a given. But the decline in acuity, the sharpness, the assuredness, and the ability to get the damned words out, is stunning.

There are two explanations. He might have been on different medications – the first one shot him to the moon, while today he was sedated to “tortoise-level” energy. Or, he is in total cognitive decline. Both possibilities are scary, though the second one is worse.

https://twitter.com/TheBadNewsB/status/1271851354441605121

And why there will likely be NO presidential candidate debates this summer….he'll say "it's beneath the office" when in fact he can't keep it together

— HoBogue.bluesky.social (@bonhogue) June 13, 2020

He’s reading at West Point. He always seems low energy while reading a teleprompter compared to when he is ranting off the cuff

— Congresslemania (@congresslemania) June 13, 2020

Yes, that is part of it, but that isn’t the entire story.

We need an additional comparison to 10 years ago. The decline is very noticeable from 10 years ago to 5 and from 5 to now.

— J (@j9267103) June 13, 2020

We are here to serve. The most noteworthy thing in this video below is that he “smiles” several times, said something that some found actually funny. He can carry on a conversation. Now, he talks “at” people almost exclusively, even in interviews, he is talking “at” the people rather than listening. It is easy to notice the difference:

 

He looks like he's using that podium to hold himself upright.

— The Upside Down World 🙃 (@upsidedwnworld) June 13, 2020

Many think he is.

It’s called psychological projection. Just about everything he alleges others are doing, he himself (or someone in his inner circle) is actually guilty of.

— Dr. Octopus said… (@Pulpolover) June 13, 2020

This is far too strong a possibility for comfort.

Yes, many have noticed. It could be neurological, or it could be a side effect to anti-anxiety medications.

Whatever the reason, Trump appears to be an entirely different person. If one goes back to 2004 and listens to Barack Obama’s “One America” speech, it is the same person. He was far too naive and idealistic then, compared to the wise statesman he is today, but he’s the same guy.

Donald? He is in decline, no doubt.

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Peace, y’all
Jason
[email protected] and on Twitter @MiciakZoom