I never met Donald Trump. I worked on a couple of buildings that had his name at the roof line, but I wasn’t working for him. Between what I knew of him, read of him and learned about him; we would not be friends. Our worlds were so vastly different in so many ways.
Him being elected President in 2016 was almost unimaginable to me at the time. He seemed to lack the skills, if that word is correct, for a successful politician. His background is a very wealthy person who inherited his wealth, not that he didn’t accumulate more. A television personality whose claim to fame resonated in the line, “you’re fired.” Firing people was a difficult decision for me. Depriving a person of their livelihood, deserved or not is a serious action. His known history at the time with business problems, women and lifestyle generally just wasn’t what I thought American voters would support in their President. Add to that his comment about John McCain not being a hero for being incarcerated in Vietnam, this to me created a rather wide red line not be crossed.
His term in office was tumultuous at best. Oftentimes appearing more respectful of authoritarians than our allies, attacking some members of our Congress and the press was most disconcerting to me. Showing little concern for the potential impact of Covid 19. Suggesting drinking bleach, showing disregard for our medical professionals and after contracting it himself and not recognizing the dangers. His record low approval rating being on average 41% and 37% near the completion of his term, his re-election seemed most unlikely.
After his 2020 loss my personal belief was there is no way for Mr. Trump to be elected in 2024. My political savvy demonstrated again how wrong I was.
Our journey through the Trump years volume 2 is about to begin. His proposed tariffs, call for the massive removal on undocumented immigrants using military intervention. His claims for more better paying jobs and expanded health options were viewed by many as deceitful at best. His proposed cabinet level appointees seem geared to loyalty to him not based on qualifications or the needs of our country. The vetting process by his transition team seems deficient at best. When I consider his appointees from his prior term, where are those people now? Would they actually be viewed in a favorable light today? Would any be willing to serve again as part of the Trump Two presidency. People such as his first Secretary of defense, Rex Tillerson, Attorney General, Sen. Jeff Sessions, his UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, and many others, where are they now? The current potential group may not be starting off much better. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz resigned from Congress then withdrew his name from consideration for appointment to be the Attorney General. Why would anyone want to follow in any of those footsteps?
For that matter why would Mr. Trump want this job or any of this at this point in his life. He is 78 years of age and certainly financially well off. He doesn’t need a job; I expect his health may provide some cause for concern based on what I have read of his diet. In 4 years, he will be 82 years old and perhaps not the healthiest senior citizen. I do wish him well or else we get JD Vance.
Misperception of power may lead people to public office. Our form of government establishes a checks and balance system. Historically his attitude may see himself as above it or immune. This time Mr. President your freewheeling style may hit some roadblocks. Congress may not be so intimidated or frightened of your perceived power. If some choose to be more confrontational claiming to have concerns for our country, our democracy and possibly even our voters, your ride may be bumpy. Remember you barely achieved a win, just under 50% of the vote. Despite your claims of a mandate if I can read the polls and vote so can others. Buckle up for this ride Mr. President-Elect.
Phil's Personal Perspectives 