1990 Trump Interview Is 'Remarkably Prophetic'

For those who say Donald Trump flip-flops on the issues, a "remarkably prophetic" interview he gave to Playboy in 1990 will prove either reassuring or frightening. The New York Times sifted through some of the 26-year-old quotes and compared them to things the GOP front-runner has said in 2016. In his 1990 chat with columnist Glenn Plaskin, Trump pontificated on "a grievance-filled economic agenda, a searing denunciation of weak-kneed American leadership, and a keen understanding of his appeal to blue-collar Americans," as the Times puts it—which doesn't sound too unlike the Trump we're seeing now. Here's to consistency (and here are some notable quotes from the long-ago interview):

• "Props for the show. …The show is Trump, and it's sold-out performances everywhere. I've had fun doing it and will continue to have fun, and I think most people enjoy it."

• "We Americans are laughed at around the world for losing a hundred and fifty billion dollars year after year. … Our 'allies' are making billions screwing us."
• "Some of our presidents have been incredible jerk-offs. We need to be tough."
• "When somebody tries to sucker-punch me, when they're after my ass, I push back a hell of a lot harder than I was pushed in the first place."
• "I don't want to be president. I'm 100% sure. I'd change my mind only if I saw this country continue to go down the tubes."

(Check out the original Playboy interview for more prescience.)