He tangentially talked about real issues thus making what he said just a bunch of empty rhetoric.
“........making what he said just a bunch of empty rhetoric.”..........
Sure sounds like a politician to me.
To the media and the Left, and sadly even some on the right, I believe you are correct.
I’m honestly not exactly clear on your emphasis here.
Perceptions are not always reality. If his comments are spot on, or at least address real problems, it can’t be rhetoric unless he’s just flat lying about thinking these are problems.
At least that’s my take on it.