Peril

by Bob Woodward

“The president’s going crazy. He thinks he made a mistake picking you because of what you’ve been saying. You said nice things about Bob Mueller.” At the White House, First Lady Melania Trump offered a contrary opinion to the president. “Are you crazy?” she asked her husband. “This guy’s right out of central casting. Look,” she pointed at Barr, “that’s an attorney general.” The contrast with the mousy Sessions was clear. Now Melania was speaking the language of the president, who put a premium on appearance. Barr, six feet and with an extraordinarily large belly, came across as the sober, knowledgeable lawyer, she said. Trump later told Barr of his wife’s remarks and how important they were to him. “You do come out of central casting.” He seemed to excuse Barr’s otherwise slothful appearance. Barr knew he came across as Big, with a powerful, confident voice. Trump, who was on the chunky side himself, said to Barr about his weight, “You hold it well, Bill. You carry it well. Be careful because if you lose too much weight, your skin is going to start becoming saggy.”