[…] Trained in ideas, the political class sees in grand terms — “authoritarian” this, “isolationist” that — a man who is, at bottom, a miser. The ultimate rule of negotiating with Trump is that no one will be worse at it than an intellectual.
An interesting take, but not totally incorrect. I think it depends more on how much one can appeal to Trump’s ego. It has been apparent for years that Trump is manipulated by compliments; anyone who sucks up to him can influence him.
But I am also reminded of Mark Twain's quote “Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” I think this is certainly true of Trump. Most intellectual arguments will fall flat with him unless they can be spun in a way that makes Trump look good.