
<p>For a mere $99, you can obtain a set of President Trump digital trading cards. ; That means you do not even get a real card, but only an image. ; If you have any knowledge of computers, you can download every one of Trump’s bigger-than-life hero cards for free.</p>



<p>Regardless, it has been reported that the former President has sold more than $1 million worth of those worthless cards &#8212; ; he has sold out of the limited edition. ; I am sure most realize that they are not getting anything of real value, but they want to show support for Trump. ; Some may believe that they may have collectible value in the future. ; Good luck with that.</p>



<p>It is not surprising that a few million folks may purchase the so-called trading cards. ; I am old enough to remember the Pet Rock. ; Millions of dollars were spent on a stone that you can find in a creek virtually anywhere on earth. ; And if you still doubt that there are people – unfortunate people – who will buy anything, you are not familiar with the shopping channels.</p>



<p>The real story is not about the folks who have – and will – spend $99 for the worthless “cards.” ; It is about the guy selling them. ; And it is relevant who is selling them. ; If they were produced by some armchair entrepreneur in Des Moines, Iowa, that would be one thing. ; All kinds of people produce political memorabilia for profit. ; One of the so-called “mints” offered a Trump medallion a few years back – and maybe they still do.</p>



<p>Trump producing Trump cards is different. ; And it is the depictions. ; They are not images of the highlights of his political career – launching the Space Force, visiting North Korea, or negotiating the Abraham Accords. ; Rather, they are depictions of a cartoon Trump as some sort of super dynamo across a range of professions. ; Some suggest his prowess in real situations – such as golf or as an astronaut &#8212; and others as a cartoon special powers superhero right out of Dell Comics.</p>



<p>What is disturbing about them is that they reinforce his frequently self-proclaimed – and exaggerated –importance – his narcissism. ; It is so flagrant that it is embarrassing.  ; It is also the third time in recent days that Trump has invited legitimate criticism and concern over inexplicable events – the first two being dinner with Kanye West and Nick Fuentes and, secondly, his suggestion to trash the Constitution. The one consistency in the three events seems to be a desire to draw attention to himself – even negative attention. These actions suggest that his run for re-election is not serious.</p>



<p>What makes the concept of trading cards unworkable is the lack of humor. ; Some folks have fantasy magazine covers as a joke (mine has me looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger). ; But the humor thing does not work for Trump because he has never demonstrated a sense of humor (think Reagan). ; The trading cards come across as what he really thinks of himself in all those situations – his fantasies.</p>



<p>To understand just how misguided and inappropriate Trump’s latest folly is, just listen to what his closest allies are saying. ; Newsmax, General Michel Flynn and even Steve Bannon have taken to the airwaves to lament this latest fiasco.</p>



<p>Perhaps Trump realizes that his chances of returning to the White House are next to nil. ; Rather, he is going back to his old model as a celebrity entertainment brand. ; He is his own reality show – his own shock-jock – for fun and profit. ; You know, in the tradition of entertainers like Pat Paulsen, who announced intentions to run for President as a schtick – a publicity gimmick. ;</p>



<p>I once described Trump as a carnival barker, but it seems he is both the barker and the curiosity inside the tent.</p>



<p>Whatever motivated Trump, it is safe to say that this trading card gambit is not going to help him politically. ; It adds more obstacles on any path to the White House – as if he needed more.</p>



<p>It is long past the time that Trump be cut loose by the remnants of his political supporters &#8212; and maybe time for an intervention by the family. ; He should be seen for his entertainment value – but no longer as a serious politician.</p>



<p>So, there ‘tis.</p>

Trump as a trading card
