OPINION — When President Donald Trump, at the United Nations this week, boasted that “my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country,” it was familiar rhetoric to anyone who has paid even passing attention to his rallies before friendly crowds. But when the audience consisting of world leaders gathered in New York, the enthusiasm was absent.

Instead, laughter.

Later, when asked about it, Trump said “that was meant to get some laughter, but it was great” — trying, I suppose, to brush it off as a joke that landed just the way he intended. Any American, whether a Trump fan or not, probably cringed a bit at the whole episode. This is what the world thinks of our country’s leader and by extension, us — a braggart to be laughed at.

Trump’s “America First” message seemed more like “America Alone.” And even when you’re the biggest kid on the block, that is a tough place to stand.

America’s post-World War II alliances have actually made the country stronger. And when we aid others in need as well as those who can reciprocate, it is not just a moral choice; the action also offers stability and strength that might prevent global conflagrations that would certainly affect the U.S., like it or not.