Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy didn’t hold back in his assessment of the theatrics on display during former President Donald Trump’s recent address. Appearing on The Will Cane Show, Portnoy described the behavior of some Democratic lawmakers as childish and surreal, likening the spectacle to a “kindergarten skit.”

Theatrics Over Substance

During the address, a Democratic Congresswoman held up a sign reading, This is not normal, behind Trump. Portnoy responded on social media, sarcastically questioning what exactly was not normal—the event itself or the congresswoman’s posture. In the interview, he elaborated, stating that while theatrics have long been a staple of Washington, D.C., the level of division and performative protest has reached absurd heights.

Portnoy noted that the event felt more like reality TV than a serious political address, a sentiment many Americans likely share. He pointed out that if aliens were to observe the conduct of elected officials, they would likely deem humanity unworthy of governance. While he acknowledged that such dramatics have always been a part of politics, he found the sheer divisiveness disturbing.

Trump’s Critics Refuse to Give Credit

A key point Portnoy made was the Democratic response—or lack thereof—to Trump’s achievements. He argued that regardless of what Trump accomplished, his opponents would never acknowledge anything positive. Portnoy compared it to his own father’s disdain for Trump, joking that if Trump gave him $100, his dad would complain that it wasn’t $200.

This unwillingness to recognize any of Trump’s accomplishments, Portnoy suggested, is a fundamental problem with modern American politics. Even when Trump highlighted universally agreeable achievements—such as honoring a child who survived cancer or taking steps to ensure fairness in sports—Democrats sat in silence. Their opposition, Portnoy asserted, isn’t just against Republican policies, but against basic American values.

Pushed Toward Trump

Despite not being a lifelong Republican, Portnoy expressed how the actions of the Democratic Party have driven many moderates, including himself, toward supporting Trump. He had previously favored Nikki Haley in the primaries but found himself aligning more with Trump due to the relentless Democratic opposition, which often ignores the will of the American people.

He criticized Democrats for refusing to acknowledge that Trump was fairly elected and argued that their refusal to accept political realities alienates middle-of-the-road voters. Their insistence on being the loudest voice in the room, Portnoy said, is pushing many people further into the Republican camp.

Ukraine: Prioritizing America First

One of the few moments during Trump’s address that garnered applause from Democrats was when he discussed funding for Ukraine. Portnoy found it odd that support for a foreign country elicited more enthusiasm than domestic issues affecting everyday Americans.

While Portnoy acknowledged the seriousness of the Ukraine conflict, he agreed with Trump’s stance on prioritizing American interests. He pointed out that the Biden administration’s approach—sending massive sums of money while continuing to escalate tensions—has done little to bring the war to an end. Instead, Portnoy argued, diplomatic efforts should be prioritized over performative rhetoric.

Conclusion: A Broken Political System

Ultimately, Portnoy’s take on the state of American politics is one of disillusionment. He sees both sides engaging in theatrics, but he believes the Democratic Party has backed itself into a corner where it opposes even widely popular policies just because they are associated with Trump. This kind of blind opposition, he argues, is not sustainable and is one of the reasons the party is struggling to maintain broad public support.

In a time when political discourse often feels like professional wrestling, Portnoy’s blunt and unfiltered take reflects the frustrations of many Americans who are tired of the circus in Washington. Whether one agrees with his views or not, his analysis underscores a growing sentiment that the country’s leadership has lost touch with the people it is supposed to serve.