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Photograph shows Trump’s talking points for listening session on gun violence

President Trump held notes during a listening session Wednesday with high school students and teachers in the aftermath of last week’s Florida high school shooting. Carolyn Kaster/AP

An Associated Press photograph taken Wednesday evening shows President Trump’s handwritten talking points as he hosted a listening session where a group of students, parents, and families recounted their experiences with deadly school shootings.

The AP photograph shows Trump holding what looks to be a piece of paper or pamphlet with “White House” letterhead. The notes included numbered questions and comments for those in attendance, including: “What would you most want me to know about your experience?” and “What can we do to help you feel safe?”

The last talking point was fairly straightforward: “I hear you.”

The photograph began circulating on social media shortly after the event ended, causing some to criticize him for needing notes to remember to empathize with students.

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Several others pointed out that Trump’s notes had echoes of former president George H.W. Bush telling New Hampshire voters during a 1992 campaign speech, “Message: I care.”

Attendees of Wednesday’s session included survivors of last Tuesday’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., as well as parents of those killed in school shootings in Newtown, Conn., and Columbine, Colo.