phil ricker, let me start with you. pick up the thread about the three legs of his re-election strategy, the only thing that strengthens his political foundation is the prospect of an unforeseen foreign policy victory that somehow showcases either some strength, some steadiness, some steeliness or stability. if you read through those headlines, i don't think anything thinks they'll do that for him. >> no. and let's be clear, nicole. >> no, i know, i know. no, no. [ laughter ] it's how you respond. i get it. >> yeah. this stuff is always volatile and can change. so, you know, something could happen months down the road that we don't see. but, you know, if you just zero in on the hong kong protest, that is just so stunning that the president has not come out the way john bolton has to stand behind these pro-democracy protesters. i mean, that has been the historical role of the american leader in modern times to defend democracy around the world to defend those values. and he's not doing it. but it's in keeping with what t