Donald Trump answered just eight questions during an Ask Me Anything before the session was declared over — but then decided to keep going.
Despite more than 22,000 comments being posted on the Reddit session, which was described as “boring”, Trump answered just eight questions across one hour before disappearing. He then seemed to have a change of heart because he returned shortly afterwards to answer a few more.
Thank you so much Mr. Trump! Great AMA. https://t.co/xPSFTOSY0z pic.twitter.com/cMxwg5h6DU
— /r/The_Donald (@TheDonaldReddit) July 28, 2016
The Republican presidential nominee answered questions on the pro-Trump subreddit thread r/The—Donald, where people were warned that any trolling comments would be deleted.
Reaction was overwhelmingly positive on the thread, which has become Reddit’s second-most active community, but it was a different story on Twitter.
Just read through Trump’s Reddit AMA. Probably the worst AMA I’ve ever gone through from a public figure. Terribly boring.
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) July 28, 2016
Re: Reddit AMA. with Trump. I love AMA’s but this was a TURKEY. He blandly answered 8 Q’s. If I was 1 of his groupies I’d be nonplussed.
— Towleroad (@tlrd) July 28, 2016
85 minutes, 10 answers. This #TrumpAMA isn't going well. He clearly doesn't understand the medium and neither does his team. #Election2016
— Doctor Nov (@ChrisNovembrino) July 28, 2016
There were also complaints about questions being deleted.
I asked Trump why he won't release his tax returns if he's rich and doesn't have ties to the Russians. Reddit deleted it within 15 minutes.
— Olivia Nuzzi (@Olivianuzzi) July 27, 2016
Trump’s return could have something to do with his known obsession with being a “winner”. A tweet sent by the subreddit account after the AMA finished noted that Trump’s session had beaten Barack Obama’s on every measure except total points, which are awarded when people like the post.
In the end Trump’s AMA got more than 10,000 points, while Obama’s got more than 14,000 three years ago.
But Trump did beat the President on comments and questions. He had more than 24,000 comments posted on his AMA, while Obama had more than 23,000 comments. Obama answered 10 questions, while Trump ended up answering 13 in total (after initially only answering eight).
We are now officially wrapped up with the #TrumpAMA. This AMA has beat out the Obama one in every category aside from total points. Thanks!!
— /r/The_Donald (@TheDonaldReddit) July 28, 2016
Trump’s AMA is now officially over.
The AMA got off to a slow start as Trump said he would be answering questions while on a flight to Toledo, Ohio so the internet connection could be spotty.
“I promise you, I’ll answer all the questions I can,” Trump said in an initial post.
There were some funny ones thrown at him.
“During your inauguration speech, will you say ‘Obama, you’re fired!’?” one user asked.
But Trump chose to answer those on voter fraud, media, working visas, NASA and Obamacare.
Since r/The—Donald was started early this year, it has become hugely popular and has flooded Reddit with pro-Trump material.
Known for being a rowdy bunch, the page describes itself as being for “serious supporters”, that post jokes, comics and memes that are “not politically correct”.
But members were determined to be on their best behaviour when Trump, who they call the “God Emperor”, made his appearance.
“Please don’t use any vulgar language … we can’t give the dishonest media any type of ammunition to use against Trump,” one person posted.
Trump’s questions and answers are posted below:
Thank you so much Mr. Trump! Great AMA. https://t.co/xPSFTOSY0z pic.twitter.com/cMxwg5h6DU
— /r/The_Donald (@TheDonaldReddit) July 28, 2016
‘CROOKED HILLARY CLINTON’
Trump kept referring to “Crooked Hillary Clinton” in answers, starting with the question: “What is your plan for reducing or removing the influence of money on politics?
His answer: “Keeping Crooked Hillary Clinton out of the White House!”
He followed up with another reference when answering a question about working visas (see below) and again when asked about his criticism of Clinton’s refusal to hold press conferences for hundreds of days.
“Why do you think is/are the reason(s) for Hillary refusing to hold any press conferences for such a huge amount of time?,” bka1 asked.
He answered: “Crooked Hillary Clinton will not do press conferences because she cannot explain her illegally deleted 33,000 emails, or her disaster in Libya, or her role pushing TPP (which she would 100% approve if she got the chance), or her support for a 550% increase in Syrian refugees, etc.”
VOTER FRAUD AND NASA
Voter fraud was another popular topic with many asking how Trump was going to stop Hillary Clinton from cheating to win the election.
“We firmly believe Hillary will try and steal this election through vote fraud, especially given recent events. What is your campaign doing to ensure that we have a fair election?” the subreddit thread /r/asktrumpsupporters asked.
Trump answered: “Voter fraud is always a serious concern and authorities must be vigilant from keeping those from voting that are not authorized to do so.”
A second question from them was: What role should NASA play in helping to Make America Great Again?
Trump posted: “Honestly I think NASA is wonderful! America has always led the world in space exploration.”
MEDIA ELITES
Trump was asked: “Reports estimate that 90% of US media is owned by 6 companies … The dishonest media is rigging our democracy with a radical agenda that divides Americans and causes nothing but sensationalism and hatred at the expense of the USA. They are killing our country for ratings and profit, with impunity.
“How will you, as president, tackle this protected class of media elites without stepping on the first amendment rights of average Americans?”
Answer: “I have been very concerned about media bias and the total dishonesty of the press. I think new media is a great way to get out the truth.”
WORKING VISAS
Trump was asked about abuse of H-1B visas, which allow US companies to sponsor and temporarily employ foreign workers in certain occupations.
“America has a proud tradition of stealing the most brilliant and talented people from countries around the world for ourselves,” yiannopoulos—m posted.
“In recent years, however, H-1B visa abuse has become rampant. A program meant bring truly exceptional talent to America has been twisted by globalist politicians and corporations, allowing low-cost, short term labor to steal jobs from everyday Americans and take everything they learn back to their home countries.
“Will you curb H-1B abuse and make sure visas are going to people who want to become American, stay American, and make America great?”
Answer: “I have put forward a detailed plan for H-1B reform to protect American workers which can viewed on the immigration paper on my website. My plan is the exact opposite of Crooked Hillary Clinton.”
POLICE
Question: “You’ve expressed your support and appreciation for police.What would say to a young college student like myself who is considering a job in law enforcement, but might have been discouraged by the recent attacks on police?
Answer: “We will always stand with and support our nation’s amazing police. There is nothing more honorable then serving your community and your country as a law enforcement officer. My administration will protect those who protect us. Thank you to all the incredible police officers in our country tonight.”
OBAMACARE
Question: “As a self-employed young American, my health insurance costs have skyrocketed under Obamacare. Paying close to $300 a month with a $6,000 deductible is a challenge as I try and grow my business. What will you do as President to ensure that myself and others can not only enjoy the security of having health insurance, but also afford to keep it?”
Answer: “One of the first things I will do is to repeal and replace disastrous Obamacare. I will put forward an amazing new plan, which will include many reforms, such as letting people buy insurance across state lines, increasing choice and competition, and bargaining for better, cheaper drug prices.”
PRESIDENTS
Question: “Which US president do you admire the most?”
Answer: “There have been many amazing Presidents in American history, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan, all of whom I greatly admire.”
BERNIE SANDERS
Question: “There are a lot of young Bernie Sanders supporters out there who have become disillusioned by both the conduct of the DNC and by the policy positions of Secretary Clinton (many of these Bernie Sanders frequent this site). What is the most important thing you would like to convey about yourself and your policy positions to the people who voted for Bernie in the primary but are now considering either staying home or voting third party in November?”
Answer: “Though Bernie is exhausted and has given up on his revolution, many of his voters still want to keep up the fight. I expect that millions of Bernie voters will refuse to vote for Hillary because of her support for the War in Iraq, the invasion of Libya, NAFTA and TPP, and of course because she is totally bought and sold by special interests. She and her husband have been paid millions and millions by global corporations and powerful interests who will control her every decision. She is their puppet, and they pull the strings.
“We welcome with open arms all voters who want an honest government and to fix our rigged system so it works for the people. This includes fixing one of Bernie’s biggest issues, our terrible trade deals that strip our country of its jobs and wealth.”
HE’S A WINNER
Question: “Are you getting tired of winning?”
Answer: “I am never tired of winning, and as your president I will win for you, the American people. I’m with you!”
YOUNG AMERICANS
Question: “What do you feel is the greatest issue facing young Americans today?”
Answer: “The question most young people ask me is about the rising cost of education, terrible student debt and total lack of jobs. Youth unemployment is through the roof, and millions more are underemployed. It’s a total disaster! I will create millions of new jobs, reform our education system, and work to free young Americans from the awful burden of debt.”
RIGGED SYSTEM
Question: “I’m 29 years old, registered Libertarian and have voted that way my entire life … However, this election I am starting to think that, while I think a Libertarian candidate is what’s best for America long term, that you may be what America needs right now … I think you may be the best possible candidate for our economy, but I do fear some of your international policies,
I know that I am not the only 3rd party voter that feels this way. So my question to you is, what do you say to people like me who are on the fence about voting 3rd party(Johnson/Stein) or for you?”
Answer: “Americans in every party are tired of our rigged system and corrupt politicians, and want to reform our government so it no longer benefits the powerful at the expense of everyone else. They know I will fix it so it works for them and their families. Hillary Clinton’s message is that things will never change. My message is that things have to change, and they have to change right now.
“We have to change a foreign policy that has led us to one economic disaster after another, and an economic policy that has failed our poorest citizens. We will never fix a rigged system by relying on the people who rigged it in the first place. I am going to return the government to the people. Together, we will Make America Great Again.”
