In the summer of 2016, I was grilling some burgers in the backyard when the cell phone rang. It was then candidate for president Donald Trump calling to shoot the political breeze.

This was not unusual as I have known Mr. Trump for three decades and we occasionally chat about all kinds of things, most of which are kept confidential by me. Even the stuff about how the Mets can never quite get it together. 

On that call, Trump was venting about the press which had recently turned against him with a ferocity that was disturbing. At first, CNN and others couldn't get enough of candidate Trump because he brought high ratings. So they kissed his behind. But that quickly changed when he bested the Republican primary field.

As the candidate took a breath, I said let's do this on the air tomorrow. I'll give you eight minutes of Factor time. Trump said he was otherwise engaged, but his lawyer, Michael Cohen, was available.

No, I said.

Why? Trump countered.

"Because he's a weasel, and we're not a pet emporium."

Donald Trump went silent. I then wrapped it up by positing something like: "You better not trust this guy."

Yes, I'm somewhat of a sage. But that wasn't a hard call.

See you this evening for the No Spin News.