Look, don't tell anybody about this ok? Because this is an email that was sent only to me, for my eyes only, with the kind of deal that only a really special person like myself could ever dream of getting access to. I'm going to act now because supplies are limited!

The Shipping and Handling was only $149.99 and I had to send a separate check for it to Prad Barscale, whoever that is. But they said it's a one time, specially reduced deal on the S & H, so I guess it's worth it...and they threw in a free My Pillow.

Turns out it was only a My Pillowcase that was thrown in for free. But that's ok, I was looking for an excuse to buy a My Pillow anyway...and the confirmation email I got had an awesome coupon where I could buy 1 My Pillow for the price of 2, or 2 My Pillows for the price of 3!!!

Presidential campaign messaging has always been kinda hokey, but I don't think I ever expected to be getting Ronco-level pitches from a sitting president.

Seriously though. Read this article from 2012 and it'll give you a clear sense of just how deeply rooted this sort of con-man act is in GOP political culture. https://thebaffler.com/salvos/the-long-con

Is it too much to ask for politicians in a democracy not to engage with voters like a grifter softening up a mark?

For crying out loud...have none of Trump's supporters ever watched The Music Man?

Or A Face in the Crowd, starring Andy Griffith, Patricia Neal, and Walter Matthau? https://twitter.com/SethCotlar/status/1132497305209147393?s=20