The very moment that President Donald Trump was told about the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was on camera, as a reporter told him on the tarmac near his rally Friday night.
His reaction was very natural, very appropriate, and he honestly handled the moment well and with care.
It’s a surreal clip. The night backdrop, the plane, and all the while music from the rally can be heard. It’s the opening stanza of “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John, and its melancholy tune and the lament of the piano are oddly fitting.
President Trump on death of Justice Ginsburg: "She just died? Wow. I didn't know that…She led an amazing life. What else can you say? She was an amazing woman, whether you agree or not. She was an amazing woman who led an amazing life. I'm actually sad to hear that." pic.twitter.com/6oKuL671qO
— CSPAN (@cspan) September 19, 2020
“She just died? Wow. I didn’t know that,” he said. “She led an amazing life.”
“What else can you say? She was an amazing woman, whether you agreed or not. She was an amazing woman who led an amazing life. I’m actually sad to hear that.”
The arresting clip became the talk of social media overnight.
Having Tiny Dancer playing in the background like that makes this clip so surreal. Like something from a scripted film. https://t.co/OhPNkn1bxY
— Noam Blum (@neontaster) September 19, 2020
Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band
Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man
Ballerina, you must've seen her dancing in the sand
And now she's in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand https://t.co/ciXds02yf0— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) September 19, 2020
Wow, with Tiny Dancer playing in this clip of Trump hearing about Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing for the first time… this is like straight out of a movie https://t.co/2srFgyYta7
— Harry Khachatrian (@Harry1T6) September 19, 2020
Right & Left coming together tonite to agree that 'Tiny Dancer' playing during this moment was pretty awesome.
Five seconds of unity. https://t.co/46bqxRBSMH
— The Blake Elliott (@TheBlakeElliott) September 19, 2020
Surreal moment as President Trump learns of Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s passing while Tiny Dancer plays in the background. Feels like a scene out of a twisted version of Almost Famous. pic.twitter.com/iUQRosPXIQ
— Mackay Taggart (@mackaytaggart) September 19, 2020
The way "Tiny Dancer" plays in the background and is perfectly synched with the dialogue finally confirms definitively that we are all living in some bizarre alien art film.pic.twitter.com/yk0DzhpV1T
— Norse Mythology (@NorseMythNews) September 19, 2020
As a history buff, this clip is incredible. The President learning of the death of a Justice via the media with a live reaction. Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" kicking in as Trump speaks makes it that much more surreal. There is a fight ahead, but let's admire living history. https://t.co/IHbCgDevIX
— Connor Flynn (@connorflynn__) September 19, 2020
“Tiny Dancer” while Trump hears #RBG news—because 2020’s writers are just going all-out pic.twitter.com/J8I8lIl3Bs
— TrivWorks (@TrivWorks) September 19, 2020
It really was something. It’ll be a lasting moment.
– Fred T.