BOB EHRLICH: Trump Plays Chess While His Opponents Play Checkers

Democrats seem intent on taking every single syllable spoken by Donald J. Trump literally, regardless of context or circumstance.

This insistence on literal interpretation has in fact blossomed into a key symptom of Trump Derangement Syndrome — and a major problem for lefties attempting to keep up with the furious pace of executive orders and policy proclamations daily coming from the Oval Office.

But being overwhelmed by sheer volume is only half of the challenge. Of greater importance are the blindersworn by the loyal opposition that make nuanced interpretations of the ways, means, and ends of “47” nearly impossible.

The result is what the public has observed over the first month: an unfocused (and ineffective) opposition playing defense to the aggressive Trump and his America First appointees.

Speaking of which, more than a few Americans have to be wondering, “What is the statute of limitations on the entire ‘Nazi’ — ‘Fascist’ — ‘Racist’ narrative after having proven so ineffectual on the campaign trail?”

If at some point the blinders are removed, the loyal opposition will discern a far more complex opponent in the White House.

Indeed, a look back at this first month of Trump 2.0 reveals a multidimensional leader, far removed from the clownish caricature widely marketed by his opponents.

To wit: There is “Trump: The Art of the Deal Manipulator.” This Trump assures Volodymyr Zelensky that the U.S. military will be happy to supply his retreating army with advanced armaments … in exchange for U.S. access to Ukraine’s trove of rare minerals.