Trump: "Only way you survive is to be combative"
Though President Trump talked about the combative approach the White House often takes toward the media, he also says he's developed a new skill during his presidency -- tuning out the negative things said about him, according to an interview published Thursday.
"I've been able to do something that I never thought I had the ability to do. I've been able not to watch or read things that aren't pleasant, and it keeps you young," Mr. Trump said in an interview with Time Magazine.
"I never thought I'd have the ability to say, 'They're doing a big story on me on CNN, and I won't watch it.' And it's amazing. It doesn't matter. But it really, the equilibrium is much better," he said.
But the negative stories he does see bring out a different instinct.
"The only way you survive is to be combative," the president said. "I'll read stories in the New York Times that are so one-sided. Hey, I know when I am successful. I know victory."
When asked if his administration had been "too combative," though, Mr. Trump acknowledged that he might bear part blame for the tone.
"It could be my fault," he said. "I don't want to necessarily blame, but there's a great meanness out there that I'm surprised at."
Amid his persistent battle against "fake news," President Trump is consumed with wanting to be portrayed by the media in a positive light, Time's Zeke Miller, a CBSN contributor who was part of the team that interviewed Mr. Trump, said. Miller told CBSN that what was most striking was the sense of internal tension the president has "between wanting to be loved and wanting to fight both with the press, political opponents and allies at times."
Part of Time's interview with Mr. Trump took place "after hours," that is, outside the Oval Office and in the residence. He showed off his recently installed 60-inch television that he uses to record cable news and hearings so he can later play it back and offer his own color commentary.
During the interview he watched some of the recent Senate hearing on Russian meddling in the election, featuring the testimony of former acting Attorney General Sally Yates and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. As the two were questioned on the unmasking of any of Mr. Trump's associates, the president remarked, "Watch them start to choke like dogs. Watch what happens. They are desperate for breath."
Time also joined Mr. Trump for a four-course meal, which revealed some of his personal preferences.
Aside from Mr. Trump's beverage of choice (Diet Coke), Time described the president's specific tweaks to the menu. For instance, he prefers Thousand Island dressing, rather than the vinaigrette served to his guests. Mr. Trump also gets an extra dish of sauce to accompany his chicken and an additional scoop of ice cream with his chocolate cream pie for dessert, compared to the single scoop everyone else received.
Vice President selected a fruit plate instead. Mr. Trump told Time that Pence is doing a "fantastic job."
"They say we're somewhat opposite and that works to be a very good combination," added the president.
