Trump's Obsession with "Believe Me"

[leibowde84]

So, why does Trump feel the need to use the word "believe me" so much? I mean, everyone uses the phrase once in a while, but Trump uses it about 100 times more than normal. So, what is the deal? In his mind, does he actually think that he is providing reasoning to believe what he is saying?

We all know that, no matter who is speaking, when we hear the phrase "believe me" we should be very skeptical about what comes next. Is Trump unaware of this fact, or is his ego getting in the way of reason?

 

[Flame]

I'm starting to think that its so Trump himself can believe what he's saying.

 

[Revoltingest]

So, why does Trump feel the need to use the word "believe me" so much? I mean, everyone uses the phrase once in a while, but Trump uses it about 100 times more than normal. So, what is the deal? In his mind, does he actually think that he is providing reasoning to believe what he is saying?

We all know that, no matter who is speaking, when we hear the phrase "believe me" we should be very skeptical about what comes next. Is Trump unaware of this fact, or is his ego getting in the way of reason?

I think you give too much significance to a verbal tic.

 

[Kemosloby]

 

[leibowde84]

I think you give too much significance to a verbal tic.

That's a fine explanation. It could very well just be a verbal tic ... like "um" or "like".

 

[sun rise]

I'm starting to think that its so Trump himself can believe what he's saying.

The rattle snake signature is very apt to the thread OP.

 

[leibowde84]

Yeah, even though Obama had "believe" as one of his many slogans, he didn't resort to using the phrase "believe me" repeatedly in almost every speech. Good point. Makes Obama's verbal ability look even better compared to Trump.

 

[McBell]

Perhaps you would be so kind as to explain how your post is relevant to thread?

 

[McBell]

I think you give too much significance to a verbal tic.

Agreed

 

[sun rise]

That's a fine explanation. It could very well just be a verbal tic ... like "um" or "like".

Given that he lies all the time, I don't believe it's an ordinary verbal tic.

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

I think you give too much significance to a verbal tic.

I'm not so certain -- it really does seem to me to have something more needy behind it. Something more ego-feeding, and I am as convinced as I can possibly be that Trump has a pathological need to have his ego regularly stroked.

At the same time, I strongly believe he has the "I believe I believe" syndrome with respect to his own smartness. By this, I mean an analogy to those people who claim to believe the Christian message but so often don't live it. (I believe that the burner on my stove, when it is red, would be a disaster for my to lay my hand on -- and I never, ever do it, my belief is so strong. Christians who claim to believe in eternal punishment in hell-fire, very obviously only believe they believe it, based upon their all-too-frequent behavioural lapses.) Trump believes he believes ("because I'm smart, as he said a couple of times in debate with Hillary), but I don't think he believes it in the way I believe in a red stove burner.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Perhaps you would be so kind as to explain how your post is relevant to thread?

I think a good number on the Right are just jealous the Left had a fair point over how much of a mess Bush Jr. left for Obama, and they want to try to make the same point although Obama didn't leave such a mess for Trump.

 

[Revoltingest]

I'm not so certain -- it really does seem to me to have something more needy behind it. Something more ego-feeding, and I am as convinced as I can possibly be that Trump has a pathological need to have his ego regularly stroked.

At the same time, I strongly believe he has the "I believe I believe" syndrome with respect to his own smartness. By this, I mean an analogy to those people who claim to believe the Christian message but so often don't live it. (I believe that the burner on my stove, when it is red, would be a disaster for my to lay my hand on -- and I never, ever do it, my belief is so strong. Christians who claim to believe in eternal punishment in hell-fire, very obviously only believe they believe it, based upon their all-too-frequent behavioural lapses.) Trump believes he believes ("because I'm smart, as he said a couple of times in debate with Hillary), but I don't think he believes it in the way I believe in a red stove burner.

I can see that a need is the origin of the tic.

 

[leibowde84]

Given that he lies all the time, I don't believe it's an ordinary verbal tic.

I agree. It seems like he thinks he's pulling a fast one on people who actually listen to him. Problem is, it seems to have worked quite well.

 

[McBell]

Personally, I am waiting for something other than bold empty claims to be presented in support of it being anything other than a tic.

I will not, however, be holding my breath

 

[Sapiens]

I have never trusted people who say "believe me" often. It is but a plea to ignore the fact that they are often lying.

 

[Kemosloby]

Yeah, even though Obama had "believe" as one of his many slogans, he didn't resort to using the phrase "believe me" repeatedly in almost every speech. Good point. Makes Obama's verbal ability look even better compared to Trump.

Yeah I think so too, Obama was a real pro at "believe me", Trump is sort of amateurish at "believe me".

 

[Twilight Hue]

Given that he lies all the time, I don't believe it's an ordinary verbal tic.

Name anyone in government that dosent lie to the public.

 

[Revoltingest]

I have never trusted people who say "believe me" often. It is but a plea to ignore the fact that they are often lying.

It reminds me of people who say, "No disrespect intended, but.....".

 

[metis]

For one who is narcissistically inclined, "believe me" makes sense-- at least to them.