This archive report was first published on 13 July 2021.
On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump addressed a mob, saying, 'We're going to walk down to the Capitol.' This infamous line was an ad-lib, not part of his prepared speech. However, it's not the sensational anecdotes that make 'Landslide' stand out, but rather Wolff's coherent argument about the period between November 3 and January 20.
Trump's self-obsession, delusions, and administrative incompetence are well-documented in the book. He has no interest in or understanding of government workings, doesn't read or listen to briefings, and spends most of his time watching conservative TV networks and chatting with cronies.
Before the election was stolen narrative took hold, Trump already believed that expanded voting access, which favors Democrats, was stealing. He rejected staff entreaties to set up a Republican get-out-the-early-vote operation and refused to endorse masking and social distancing during the pandemic.
Wolff's portrayal of Trump's presidency is one of disorganization, with endless firings and reshufflings of key players. During his second impeachment trial, Trump was represented by a comically incompetent team of lawyers he barely knew.
As the election results became clear, Trump empowered an alternate-reality team of advisers, including Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell, to challenge the outcome. He embraced conspiracy theories and strategic fantasies, viewing elections as opportunities to negotiate.
Despite Trump's ravings, nobody in the White House or the Republican Party took his claims seriously, including Mike Pence and Mitch McConnell. The January 6 events came as a surprise, even to Trump himself.
