I don't think he's a ******* idiot. I think he's a calculating, intelligent man who says ridiculous ****. Maybe because he's also a sensitive fellow who has to respond to any slight, often in a ridiculous way, or because he's running interference for himself. Probably both.
Have you ever lied to your wife? I'm sure you have. Maybe over something stupid, you bought a new baseball glove instead of a lawnmower, but, rather than address the lie, you redirect. If you create enough bluster, she follows you down that path and, for the moment, you're clear of your dumb lie. I think does that with the media.