Donald Trump’s chaotic post-midterm communications strategy is drawing sharp criticism from conservative commentators, with one blistering American Thinker op-ed comparing the former president’s approach to Casey Stengel’s infamous lament about his inept 1962 Mets team: “Can’t anyone here play this game?”
The Blame Game Backfires
The piece highlights Trump’s contradictory explanations for stock market fluctuations immediately following the elections – first taking credit for record highs on November 4, then blaming Democrats for the subsequent downturn on November 5. The author dryly notes the absurdity of Trump implying Democrats control market notifications to his supporters.
‘I Would Have Won’ Refrain Returns
Trump’s familiar consolation – that results would have been different had he been on the ballot – gets particularly skeptical treatment. The author invokes the Texas saying “If you can do it, it ain’t bragging,” suggesting Trump’s claims ring hollow without actual proof. The comparison to Obama’s similar 2016 claim about beating Trump adds historical context to this rhetorical pattern.
Time to Rethink the Lineup?
The baseball metaphor extends to the op-ed’s conclusion, which hints that Republicans may need to “adjust our rosters” after these disappointing results. While stopping short of calling for Trump to leave politics, the piece clearly frames his post-election behavior as counterproductive, leaving the base more confused than motivated.
Source: www.americanthinker.com โ https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/11/can-t-anyone-here-play-this-game/