The president, while often a fabulist in his depiction of the world, was quite a literalist when it came to how he saw himself.
The quote emphasizes the contrast between the president's imaginative storytelling about various topics and his rigid self-perception. While he may embellish or distort facts regarding external matters, he perceives himself in a very straightforward and literal manner. This duality showcases the complexity of his character and how it affects his leadership style and interactions with others.
In essence, the president’s self-image stands in stark contrast to his narrative style, suggesting a lack of self-awareness or a refusal to acknowledge the nuances of reality outside his personal experience. As depicted in Michael Wolff’s "Fire and Fury," this outlook likely influences his decision-making and overall governance, highlighting a distinction between his public persona and private beliefs.
