Lately, it seems each time President Trump and Sean Hannity sit down (or stand next to) each other for an interview, it’s either before or after one of Trump’s rallies, on-site.
That was the case was once again last night. Appearing live from the Las Vegas Convention Center, Hannity spoke with the president before the rally.
The setting makes sense for both parties involved. Trump revels in the love, gets to pump up his audience and a platform to speak his mind before hopping on stage. Hannity, in return, gets great ratings (though he doesn’t really need help with those), and compelling television.
“We’re live in Vegas, ya’ll having a good time!?” Hannity asks the audience, pre-interview, which elicits cheers.
This was Trump’s 31st appearance on Fox News or FBN, and came days after one day after admitting that hosts Lou Dobbs, Jeanine Pirro and Hannity played a part in his decision to declassify the FISA documents.
The atmosphere of last night’s rally in particular, seemed reminiscent of a college football pregame show.
Before the interview, Hannity made a point of thanking Laura Ingraham “for giving us an extra minute of time, but the president is walking in…We want to thank Laura Ingraham very publicly for giving us extra time to interview the president.” (The interview and subsequently rally began at 10 p.m. ET, which is when The Ingraham Angle traditionally airs).
Hannity: Mr. President, how are you sir? It is an honor to see you… wave up to the fake news media.
President Trump: Hello, folks.
Hannity: Great to see you, how are you? Do want to sit, stand?
Trump: Where is your camera, tell me?
Hannity: First, you can thank Laura Ingraham who has given us extra “Hannity” time…
A good chunk of the interview focused on Dr. Christine Blasey Ford‘s sexual harassment accusation against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh
Trump: I think is a sad situation, he is an outstanding person. Frankly, Sean, to see what is going on is very, very sad. Why didn’t somebody call the FBI 36 years ago? You could also say when did this all happen, what is going on? To take a man like with that being said, let her have her say and let’s see how it all works out. i don’t think you can delete any longer appeared they had delayed a week already.
Hannity: You have been very accommodating.
Trump: I have been very accommodating…
Then, the show.
Trump, as he often does, attacked the media, telling the crowd, “Do you remember the tears from the fake news media when it was obvious that we were going to win?” Later, he reportedly pointed toward the press area, and said, “Look at them, they’re still crying. They’re still crying. And let them cry. They don’t know what the hell happened, but it happened.”
He spoke about Kavanaugh, saying, “he is one of the finest human beings you will ever have the privilege of knowing our meeting. A great intellect, a great gentleman, an impeccable reputation. Went to Yale; a student, went to Yale Law School, top student, so we have to let it play out, but I want to tell you, he is a fine, fine person. so — and he has tremendous support, I can tell you that. Tremendous.”
Trump also added regarding Dr. Ford: “Let her have her say and let’s see how it all works out, but I don’t think you can delay it any longer.”