There's a difference between political hardball and petty revenge. Often, this distinction is not a clear one. Luckily, this president* has made making that determination much easier than it used to be.



Dear Madame Speaker:



Due to the Shutdown, I am sorry to inform you that your trip to Brussels, Egypt, and Afghanistan has been postponed. We will reschedule this seven-day excursion when the Shutdown is over. In light of the 800,000 great American workers not receiving pay, I am sure you would agree that postponing this public relations event is totally appropriate. I also feel that, during this period, it would be better if you were in Washington negotiating with me and joining the Strong Border Security movement to end the Shutdown. Obviously, if you would like to make your journey by flying commercial, that would certainly be your prerogative.



I look forward to seeing you soon and even more forward to watching our open and dangerous Southern Border finally receive the attention, funding, and security it so desperately deserves!



Jesus H. Christ on Hollywood Squares, what a petty little person he is. In addition, this was not just a playground stunt. Pelosi's trip was a guarded national-security event. Until it wasn't, because the president* needed to throw his juicebox across the room. I'm sure he thinks he won, too. That letter to Pelosi will hang on the wall of the library one day. Right next to the rigged pinball machine.

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Charles P. Pierce Charles P Pierce is the author of four books, most recently Idiot America, and has been a working journalist since 1976.

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