I remember watching the Harlem Globetrotters play when I was very young. They always played the Washington Nationals. The Washington Nationals were extremely skilled; at losing to the Harlem Globetrotters. In retrospect, these were some very talented people. In every game there was a period where they started shooting lights out and gave the illusion of this being a real game instead of an exhibition. But, in reality, their sole mission was to make the Globetrotters look great and they were very good at their job.

I now realize that CNN has taken over the role of the Washington Nationals. They have become Trump’s foil. Whenever Trump needs to rile up the base, he just lobs a shot at CNN. They never fail to respond. It reminds me of the standard Globetrotter stunt they use in every game. One guy chases another guy with a bucket of water and throws it at him. At the last minute the Globetrotter being chased ducks and the water goes into the crowd. Except the bucket was never filled with water, it was always filled with confetti. They still use the same trick, but the water is aimed at a referee and they now use real water. They have been getting laughs with some version of this stunt for close to 100 years.

CNN falls for the water bucket trick on a daily basis. The primary difference is that CNN doesn’t realize this is all a big joke. This is now so bad that when FOX News needs to add amusement to a show it just shows clips from CNN broadcasts. It is almost like the CNN actors are performing a parody of themselves.

I think Trump would be devastated if CNN just started reporting the news. He would be just as frustrated as the Globetrotters if the Washington Nationals weren’t available. Every good comedian needs a good foil and CNN has become master of the craft. I wonder if they will ever figure this out for themselves.

TDM