Richard Haass

You mentioned what the president criticized the Pope for being soft on crime or something, which was

Just absurd or odd.

But then here's something the Pope said.

Enough of the idolatry of self and money.

Enough of the display of power.

Enough of war.

I don't think it's reading into it too much to think a lot of that was directed at one Donald Trump.

which leads me to think that you want to be really careful about who you pick your political fights with.

This Pope may be low-keyed, and he may not be of the world of politics, but you don't get to be Pope.

The Catholic Church is an institution.

And you don't get there simply by, if you will, for narrowly religious reasons.

You also get there for people skills and political skills.

So I just think the president is choosing the wrong person to set up as a foil.

In the country and around the world, this is an American who's likely to be far more popular than Donald Trump.

Short answer is yes.

The president's posting about destroying Iranian civilization were part of that.

And the Pope was right to criticize him for it.

Look,

Brand America is much below what it was.

I hate when I see polls that China now is more respected or more trusted than we are.