Most if not all independent assessments rated him among the worst of our presidents.
I feel confident that this time in office he will be classified far lower than his earlier standing.
I also feel confident that he will again inform us of his superior assessment among all the previous leaders of our land.
I’ve been toying with the question of whether there was any possibility he could have taken a different approach to governing and really become an outstanding president.
Bear with me while we explore that idea.
When Trump won the 2024 election, he had about half the population in his pocket. They would go along with anything he did. No matter how foolhardy. Or how wise.
The other half of the citizenry cringed at the prospect of another Trump presidency and, justifiably as it has turned out, feared what was to come.
But what if, after winning the election, instead of blowing steam he committed to serving all the people of the country? I think his base would do whatever he said. I think the rest of us would have been so relieved we might have given him a chance. Perhaps he could have had the entire country willing to provide him a fresh start.
He could still push certain Republican programs. We’ve always had differences of opinion, but they have been held in ways that didn’t inspire fear. Maybe we could support some subjects, perhaps like aiming toward a balanced budget. If it was done carefully.
Of course, some of his sycophants might abandon him; certainly his Project 2025 buddies would. But I bet most would have stayed with him.
Especially if he worked to shore up Social Security, healthcare, and disaster relief, areas that affect most of the population. He wouldn’t have to talk about climate change, but he could still accomplish a lot in that area if he was only willing.
Alas, none of this did happen nor could it have happened. Trump is just too insecure and angry to become great. He does not have greatness in him.
He missed the opportunity to truly be special, preferring to act the spoiled little boy who thinks retribution and destruction are manly traits rather than the childish attitudes they are.