Both issues are running interference for the other.

We had this conversation over and over in his first term as well.

Deflections and distractions are when he makes wild statements about invading Canada or bragging about trade deals that never happen and will never happen. It’s worth reporting on them as lies, but not letting that take real actions out of the headlines. Shit like “illegally occupying cities of politicians and people that don’t support him” isn’t a distraction, it’s just a crime and attack on democracy.