Every now and then, a political figure says something that perfectly encapsulates the moment.
Like "We've nothing to fear but fear itself," or, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." And yesterday, America's Mayor™ gave us the the perfect commemoration of the Trump era.
Chatting with Chuck Todd on "Meet the Press" yesterday, the President's lawyer explained why his client hasn't cooperated with the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election: because he and his team fear President Trump might get "trapped into perjury."
Now I'm not a lawyer, so bear with me here, but it seems to me a good way to avoid being "trapped into perjury" is to just not commit perjury.
Clearly though, none of us know nearly as much as Rudy Giuliani, who went on to say: "When you tell me that, you know, he should testify because he's gonna tell the truth and he shouldn't worry, well that's so silly because it's somebody's version of the truth, not the truth."
Chuck Todd, who who decided to give the common sense argument a try, retorted with:
"Truth is truth."
You know, because it is.
Unless you're asking Giuliani.
"No, it isn't truth. Truth isn't truth," Giuliani hollered.
It's tough to top Kellyanne Conway's infamous "Alternative facts," but in not even trying to make any sense or even hue towards reality, "Truth isn't truth" does what that quote never could.
For his part, Chuck Todd seemed a bit shocked, remarking, "This is going to be a bad meme."
And of course, he wasn't wrong. Social media blew up with reactions ranging from shocked, to angry...
This is pretty much how America reacted to #RudyGiuliani telling Chuck Todd that #TruthIsntTruth. Well...at least… https://t.co/XIu8v93gM4— W Smith Ω 🧢😎 Impeach Trump & Exterminate The WH. (@W Smith Ω 🧢😎 Impeach Trump & Exterminate The WH.) 1534701751.0
Giuliani really is a walking meme for this era #TruthIsntTruth https://t.co/G5gucZWyvN— Sara Mariani (@Sara Mariani) 1534689895.0
#truthisnttruth this is 1984 speak.— SANDRA (@SANDRA) 1534686512.0
Does this count as a facepalm? #truthisnttruth https://t.co/jCutX0iylA— Use Your Collusion II (@Use Your Collusion II) 1534686821.0
Congratulations @RudyGiuliani You've mastered Orwellian speech! "Truth isn't truth" is even better than "Collusion… https://t.co/7KlaPZJmWq— Tom Beckfeld (@Tom Beckfeld) 1534690504.0
Omg...🤭 #TruthIsntTruth @RudyGiuliani Are we in a fictional world or medieval time?! 😶😦😧 “The Earth is flat.” “The… https://t.co/mAQZKQaBKP— k-z (@k-z) 1534689765.0
Ghouliani: "Truth isn't truth!" Oooookaay! #TruthIsntTruth #AMJoy https://t.co/14XcZKQ9TL— SciFi Prevost (@SciFi Prevost) 1534688871.0
Rudy Giuliani is the kind of Lawyer that no one wants or needs.#TruthisntTruth— Bryan Faulkner (@Bryan Faulkner) 1534686687.0
Giuliani: "Don't do this to me." Uh, Mr.Mayor....Rudy, you really did it to yourself. #truthisnttruth https://t.co/vDNWM1GtGu— Mirna Jope (@Mirna Jope) 1534687854.0
And of course, to absurd:
Rogue White House staffer leaks Donald Trump’s messages with Rudy Giuliani about “Truth isn’t Truth”.… https://t.co/YSOshqpAEG— Tommy Campbell (@Tommy Campbell) 1534711697.0
Some used the phrase as a new spin on "Opposite Day":
Giuliani's comment is simply made for Twitter hashtag heaven. i.e.: Melania really does care. #TruthIsntTruth Jar… https://t.co/WoenIHduJD— David Jolly (@David Jolly) 1534763033.0
Republicans will hold the House in November. #TruthIsntTruth— David Jolly (@David Jolly) 1534740232.0
@DavidJollyFL Yes and Trump is an emotionally stable genius. 🤮— Dr. Doron Feinsilber (@Dr. Doron Feinsilber) 1534740642.0
One thing is undeniable though: this administration brings a creativity to Washington that we've never seen before!