PDF Summary:Commander in Cheat, by Rick Reilly

In Commander in Cheat, Rick Reilly examines Donald Trump's personal obsession with golf and how it relates to his behavior and actions beyond the golf course. The blurb explores how Trump's lack of honesty, disregard for rules, and relentless quest to win at all costs in golf reflect broader patterns seen in his business dealings and political career.

Reilly argues that Trump's tendency to cheat, manipulate scores, and leverage his golf courses for personal gain undermines the integrity of golf while providing insights into his character. The book delves into how Trump's aggressive and combative approach to the sport mirrors aspects of his presidency, potential conflicts of interest, and willingness to prioritize personal interests over ethical norms.

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Reilly emphasizes the difficulty the President faces in tolerating any form of criticism or light-hearted ribbing during golf, which unveils a sensitivity and erratic temperament that is at odds with the composed and respectable conduct expected of a seasoned golfer. He argues that such hypersensitivity to criticism is evident in his leadership style, which is characterized by ongoing Twitter conflicts, denouncing opponents, and an absence of self-reflection or admission of accountability.

Trump is recognized for his confrontational style, often initiating legal disputes over minor disputes with contractors and establishments related to golf.

Reilly describes Trump's frequent use of lawsuits as a strategy to intimidate and silence those who criticize or oppose him. He describes multiple instances of Trump suing golf clubs, contractors, and even his own neighbors over trivial disputes, highlighting his readiness to use legal action as a bludgeon to impose his will and silence dissent. He recounts situations in which Trump was involved in drawn-out legal disputes, continuing for long periods and accumulating legal costs that exceeded the disputed sums, demonstrating his inclination to exhaust opponents with economic and mental pressure instead of conceding to even the smallest mistake.

Reilly implies that Trump's inclination to litigate reflects his overall approach to handling conflicts and challenges. He implies that Trump regards litigation not as a last resort, but rather as a preferred method of compelling opponents to capitulate, showcasing a tendency for aggressive tactics over cooperative and joint endeavors, a trait that is apparent in his political interactions.

Donald Trump's unyielding quest for triumph in the game of golf reflects his inflexible tactics in business and personal affairs.

Reilly argues that the relentless pursuit of victory in golf by Trump, frequently involving dishonesty and manipulation, mirrors his confrontational and transactional style in many areas of his life. The inclination of Donald Trump to avoid settling debts with contractors, exploit legal gaps, and engage in questionable business dealings further underscores his resolve to prevail regardless of the consequences. He suggests that this pattern extends beyond financial matters, manifesting itself in his treatment of women, his casual dismissal of ethical norms, and his willingness to sacrifice principles for personal advantage.

Reilly examines the character of the President by observing his behavior on the golf course, proposing that his approach to the sport provides deep insights into his core values and motivations. He contends that Trump's unyielding quest for affirmation and supremacy, which originates from profound insecurities and a fragile sense of self, results in an inability to gracefully concede loss, underscoring his determination to triumph regardless of moral or societal consequences. Reilly suggests that this is emblematic of Trump's period in the presidential office.

Trump's nonconformity to the customary norms and etiquette usually linked with the game of golf.

This subsection examines Trump's consistent disregard for the traditional etiquette and rules inherent in the game of golf, which erodes the sport's core principles of integrity, sportsmanship, and respect for the course.

Trump often flouts the conventional etiquette of golf, clearly seen in his practice of riding golf carts across the putting surfaces and in his inclination to take an excessive number of do-overs, showing his lack of respect for the sport's integrity.

Reilly highlights the tendency of the President to ignore the core principles of golf, illustrating a profound lack of regard for the time-honored traditions of the sport and the sentiments of those who play it. The writer describes how the President opts to traverse golf courses by riding in a cart, a mode of transportation typically reserved for the path rather than the green, and how his habit of taking these vehicles over the greens compromises the delicate turf intended for putting, leading to irregular playing conditions for other players.

He recounts various instances where Trump demanded do-overs for his strokes, rationalized redoing poor shots with implausible excuses, and asserted entitlement to gimmes for putts that were obviously not close to the hole. Reilly suggests that this blatant disregard for the rules solidifies the perception that Trump sees himself as above the traditional standards governing the sport, a mindset that also manifests in his disregard for ethical boundaries in his political endeavors.

Workers at Trump's golf properties have shared stories of his tendency to manipulate the rules and engage in dishonest tactics, all fueled by an unyielding desire to win at any cost.

Reilly cites numerous reports from staff members at Trump's golf properties regarding his consistent disregard for the rules and untruthful conduct in the game. Caddies have shared stories of covertly improving Trump's position by adding extra balls to his pockets, adjusting his ball's location in the rough, and deliberately relocating his opponents' balls. They express a mixture of disgust at his unethical behavior and begrudging admiration for the audacity with which he perpetrates it.

The stories reveal a widespread trend of deception that is often initiated and condoned by Trump. The claims substantiate the idea that Trump employs deceptive strategies deliberately to secure victory by any required means, rather than as a result of impromptu decisions or neglect. This pattern of leveraging his staff to achieve unmerited wins in golf reflects a broader pattern of deceitful behavior in his business and political dealings.

Trump's indifference to golf's time-honored values erodes the sport's deeply rooted principles of honesty, integrity, and fair play.

Reilly laments how Trump's disregard for the sport's cherished traditions tarnishes its image and undermines its core values. He contrasts the individual's unyielding quest for triumph with the fundamental principles of the sports, such as honesty, autonomy, and respect for fellow competitors. He cites examples where golfers at all levels have acknowledged penalties for unintentional violations, even at the cost of their own victories, highlighting a stark difference from Trump's relentless pursuit of self-serving triumphs.

Reilly argues that Trump's behavior sharply conflicts with the essential ethos of golf, a game that relies on personal integrity and compliance with its regulations. He suggests that Trump's engagement with golf not only perpetuates detrimental stereotypes linked to the sport but also erodes its moral foundation, potentially deterring newcomers and diminishing the sport's longstanding principles of honesty, character, and sportsmanship.

Trump is unyieldingly in pursuit of triumph, utilizing the sport of golf to his advantage and for furthering his political career.

The final section of the book explores the underlying reasons behind the ex-President's intense passion for golf, driven by an insatiable need to appear dominant and his inclination to leverage the game to his advantage. Reilly proposes that Trump's obsession with golf reveals a deeper feeling of insufficiency and a relentless pursuit of validation, shaping his worldview and influencing his approaches in politics and business.

Donald Trump's obsession with being unmatched in the sport of golf.

The passage explores how Trump's fervent quest for acknowledgment as a distinguished golfer fuels his perpetual self-aggrandizement, exaggerations, and deceit, revealing a fragile self-esteem and a dependence on validation from others that permeates all aspects of his life.

Trump harbors an intense aspiration to be acknowledged as the foremost golfer, frequently fabricating accomplishments and statistics to bolster this persona.

Reilly underscores Trump's relentless pursuit of being recognized as a superior golfer, even at the expense of compromising his ethical values. He provides an analysis of how Trump often exaggerates his abilities in golf, fabricates triumphs in club championships, and relies on manipulated scores to bolster his self-proclaimed status as an outstanding golfer.

Reilly emphasizes the importance of such actions, indicating they expose an underlying lack of self-confidence and a strong craving for affirmation from others. Rick Reilly proposes that this relentless pursuit of superiority on the golf course reflects a broader inclination to value image and self-promotion over genuine substance and tangible accomplishments.

Trump confidently boasts of his unmatched golf courses and his exceptional performance on them, stemming from an inflated view of his golfing abilities.

Reilly recounts numerous occasions on which Trump lavishly praises his golf properties, ranking them higher than world-renowned courses, even though experts consistently rate the latter more favorably. He thoroughly refutes the ex-president's assertions by citing rankings from respected golf magazines and providing corroborative accounts from players and designers of golf courses that challenge the overstated claims.

Reilly argues that Trump's tendency to overstate the quality of his golf estates mirrors his distorted perception of reality and his incessant pursuit to project an image of unparalleled achievement. His suggestion is that a significant self-regard, bolstered by continuous validation from those around him, results in his inability to recognize shortcomings or to entertain beneficial criticism in both his golfing pursuits and his conduct as a political leader.

Trump's relentless pursuit to be recognized as an elite golfer reveals deep-seated insecurities and a need for validation, which he seeks to fulfill through his involvement in the sport.

Reilly suggests that the unyielding pursuit of recognition in golf by Trump reveals a deeper insecurity driving his actions. He suggests that Trump's tendency to exaggerate, boast excessively, and be dishonest in golf originates from a lack of self-confidence and a deep-seated desire for others' validation. He contrasts the president's incessant pursuit of validation with the poised confidence of legendary golfers, whose accomplishments resonate significantly, highlighting the stark contrast between genuine victories and fabricated achievements.

Reilly suggests that a profound sense of insecurity is embedded throughout his presidency, influencing his impulsive choices, erratic behavior, and his inability to accept even minor critiques. He argues that the exaggerated self-perception originating from Trump's involvement in golf, coupled with the sycophantic atmosphere that reinforces this mindset, results in a distorted view of reality and a dangerous conviction of his own infallibility.

Trump utilizes the sport of golf as a tool to advance his business and political objectives.

This final part scrutinizes how Trump adeptly intertwines his enthusiasm for golf with his business and political strategies, utilizing his golf estates, connections, and profound affection for the game to gain influence, draw media focus, and advance his goals, often overlooking ethical standards and national concerns.

Trump has leveraged his golf properties to boost his public image, attract press coverage, and establish connections with influential figures.

Reilly highlights how Trump's golf estates have enhanced his reputation, attracted favorable coverage from the press, and helped him establish relationships with key figures in business, the entertainment industry, and politics. He entices celebrities by offering them free memberships and lavish perks, thereby increasing the prestige and perceived value of his property.

Reilly suggests that Trump sees golf courses not merely as places for relaxation but as strategic assets to bolster his public image. He wields these establishments to emanate a sense of achievement and selectiveness, drawing in affluent members and connecting with powerful individuals who can advance his commercial and political ambitions.

Trump's golf estates have functioned as sites for political assemblies, fundraisers, and symposiums, which has blurred the lines between his business and political activities.

Reilly highlights the frequent overlap between Trump's golf-related business ventures and his official responsibilities, a situation that often obscures the distinction between business and state affairs, raising ethical concerns. He portrays his golf clubs as hubs where political events, fundraising efforts, and official dialogues with global dignitaries and cabinet members converge, effectively merging his personal business ventures with his official responsibilities.

Reilly argues that intertwining political leadership with individual commercial pursuits may result in possible clashes between official duties and private financial interests, particularly given the president's choice to maintain economic ties to his enterprises upon assuming the presidency. The President's engagement in governmental matters at properties he owns has prompted concerns about transparency and accountability, as well as the potential for his personal financial interests to influence his political decisions.

Trump's presidency, marked by his handling of the hurricane in Puerto Rico and his immigration policies, seems to have been swayed by his own monetary interests related to the sport of golf.

Reilly implies that the president's choices are influenced by his personal golf-related interests. He examines the apparent indifference of the president towards the devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico, contrasting it with the prompt attention he gave to the damage at his Florida golf estate, implying that his personal financial interests could take precedence over the well-being of American citizens.

Additionally, Reilly scrutinizes the immigration stance of the former president, emphasizing the potential link between his endorsement of H2B visa policies and his golf properties' significant reliance on a workforce from abroad. He suggests that Trump's commercial interests could potentially shape his immigration policies, potentially benefiting his own business ventures while potentially undermining the financial security of American workers. Reilly suggests that the fusion of Trump's passion for golf with his responsibilities as president has skewed his discernment, raising substantial worries about the potential impact of his self-interest on his governance.