The incident is a perfect example of the symbiotic relationship between Trump, his enemies, and his staunch allies. Brzezinski and Scarborough represent those who see him as nothing but an online bully and unhinged menace. In turn, the president views them as nothing but privileged, dishonest members of the “fake news” media…

Trump is expected to act in extreme manners, for this is how we’ve always known him. He consistently shocks his audience and, by doing so, confirms biases on both sides. If he were forced to act in a certain way or censored, the Trump brand would almost cease to exist.

If Trump’s online behavior became much less extreme, it would require that both sides shift their thinking. Fans of the president would have to concede that he has indeed gone too far, too often. Critics would have to accept any improvement and actually praise the transformation.