Lesley Stahl on what it's like to interview Trump

TL;DR

Lesley Stahl discusses Trump's evolution in office, his demeanor, and views on media in a revealing interview.

Transcript

a correspondent candid with 60 minutes Lesley Stahl Lesley you've interviewed President Trump three times as president-elect and now as president has the office changed him anyway well in terms of the three interviews he was completely different the one that really stood out was the one three days after he won the election where it was my impressio... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫢 President Trump's demeanor shifted from shock to confidence post-election.
• 😑 He displayed irritation when pressed on certain questions during the interview.
• 🇨🇳 Trump attempted to divert from Russia's election meddling focus to China.
• 💖 Stahl and Trump sparred in the interview, with Trump enjoying the exchange.
• 🍗 The President tried to soften Stahl up, being conscious of his performance.
• ❓ Trump's decision for the interview aligned with boosting Republican midterm election chances.
• ⚾ The White House finds it beneficial for Trump to engage publicly to energize his base.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has President Trump's demeanor changed between his pre and post-election interviews?

President Trump evolved from showing shock to confidence in his role, presenting a stark contrast in demeanor between the interviews.

Q: How did President Trump respond to questions that seemed to annoy him?

Trump appeared irritated when questioned persistently or brought back to the original query, attempting to divert the conversation or refusing to give a direct pledge.

Q: Why did President Trump try to divert the conversation from Russia's election meddling?

President Trump tried to shift focus to China's influence, believing it to be a more significant issue and resisting discussing Russia's interference.

Q: What was the underlying reason for President Trump's decision to do an interview with Lesley Stahl at that particular time?

President Trump aimed to boost Republican chances in the midterm elections by being more publicly visible and engaging in interviews and rallies to energize his base and himself.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lesley Stahl reflects on interviewing Trump pre and post-election, noting his transformation from shock to confidence.

• Trump showed irritation when brought back to questions, attempted to divert from Russia's election meddling, and refused to pledge on the Mueller investigation.

• Stahl and Trump sparred but Trump enjoyed the exchange, trying to soften her up while being conscious of his performance.