© Djordje Kojadinovic / ReutersBoris Johnson
"I would respectfully say to my beloved European friends and colleagues that it's time that we snapped out of the general doom and gloom about the result of this election and collective 'whinge-o-rama' that seems to be going on in some places," the former London mayor said during a diplomatic visit to Serbia on Friday.
The remarks contrast starkly with those made last year, when Johnson dubbed the businessman "unfit" to rule and "out of his mind" if he wanted to ban Muslims from entering the United States. He also suggested that Trump's remarks were "playing the game of the terrorists."
On Thursday, Trump finally got around to calling Prime Minister Theresa May, having prioritized talks with nine other world leaders. The president-elect nevertheless said Britain is a "very, very special place for me and for our country." According to Johnson, Trump told the PM he "wants to sign a free trade deal" with Britain as soon as he is in power.
"I believe that this is a great opportunity for us in the UK to build on that relationship with America that is of fundamental economic importance for us, but also of great importance for stability and prosperity in the world," Johnson added. The foreign secretary also spoke to Vice President-elect Mike Pence, arguing US and Britain "need to tackle global challenges together."
Boris, often referred to a Buffoon, is actually a clever man. Perhaps he is starting to perceive that Mr Trump, is actually another clever man.
It is my contention that Mr Trump brought all the derision on himself intentionally and deliberately as a wake up call to Americans.
It is like Trump was saying, "Hey Guys, I am thinking such and such, what are your thoughts? Oh and by the way, I like many American men have taken advantage of my status in the past and have been abusive towards women in conversation and physically [probably women who flaunted themselves at him because they were attracted to his fame and fortune]. I am not the most politically correct candidate but maybe political correctness has gone too far... " etc
... discuss....
Trump risked all by becoming the object of public derision - the potential fall guy, the straw man! But the gamble paid off and people appreciated his candour. Maybe they found it refreshing. They looked at Trump's elegant family and his successful property development business (neither of which have been failures) and thought to themselves maybe this man is worth voting for, at least he is being honest and tells it like he sees it.
I think Trump is a very clever man indeed.