In NYC Society, Clinton, Trump Weren't Friends Exactly

Their relationship was more of a 'transaction,' writes Maureen Dowd
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 2, 2016 10:03 AM CDT
In NYC Society, Clinton, Trump Weren't Friends Exactly
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton at their debate in St. Louis.   (Rick T. Wilking/Pool via AP)

One angle of this year's election that might be lost on all but those around Manhattan: This is the first time in more than 70 years that two New Yorkers have squared off for the presidency, writes Maureen Dowd in the New York Times Magazine. In her lengthy piece, Dowd explores the candidates' different places in New York City society and looks at their old ties. The Clintons, after all, famously attended Donald Trump's wedding to Melania in 2005, but that doesn't mean they were all that chummy. "The friendship, on both sides, was a transaction," writes Dowd. "Not personal, as they say in the The Godfather— just business. Trump’s life in New York was all about promoting the brand and making money for the family business. It was the same for the Clintons."

Not that they didn't have different styles: "Trump thumps his chest about money, acting as if he’s Bloomberg-wealthy, while the Clintons pretend they have less than they do," writes Dowd. An anonymous media mogul, meanwhile, disses both camps: “No one here thinks of the Clintons as New Yorkers, and Donald is a bridge-and-tunnel person. He’s always been a poseur in New York.” In the piece, Dowd digs into the rumors that Bill actually encouraged Trump to run for the GOP nomination, perhaps as friendly advice or perhaps as part of a sinister master plan, but she cannot get to the bottom of it, because "when you’re dealing with Bill and Donald and truth, it’s an elusive goal." Click for the full story, which recounts how Trump first got an in with the Clintons—through golf. (More Donald Trump stories.)

Stories to sink your teeth into.
Get our roundup of longform stories every Saturday.
Sign up
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X