I agree with this statement of Fareed Zakaria’s from his most recent Washington Post column:
Most presidents begin their tenure by trying to reach out to their political opponents, signaling that they want to represent those who didn’t vote for them as well as those who did, and generally trying to bring the country together. Trump has made almost no such effort, simply asserting that the country was divided before he was elected and thus absolving himself of any responsibility for unifying it. In office, he has mercilessly attacked anyone who dares to disagree with him, whether senators, prime ministers or student protesters. It might be a good way to play to his base, but it’s a terrible way to lead the country.
both in fact and in spirit. But it’s so 20th century. We haven’t had a president in the 21st century who’s done that. Going forward will we be at daggers drawn? I believe that in that direction is civil war not just a greatly diminished press.
And how have previous presidents faired in turning the battleship?
I think talk of civil war is overwrought. You are talking about a few professional protesters, some naive college kids, some liberals with too much time on their hands and a press totally invested in creating the impression that Trump will destroy the world. Furguson, Baltimore and any random weekend in Chicago under the leadership of the great and powerful Oz Obama were worse.
I probably should start tallying the calls for a military coup. There’ve been more than one. IMO civil war is more likely than a military coup.
As a retired veteran, I have to laugh at the calls for a military coup – the suggestion is just so dumb on so many levels.
So far I count one outright advocacy of a coup (which is a felony) and two mealy-mouthed dancing around the edges of doing so by prominent individuals.
I think I heard about one of those last night.
Today, though, is a no news day for me – I need a break. There’s only so much crazy I can take before the weekend.
Meh. Busy with work but haven’t seen any calls for a coup. Not inclined to take it seriously.
Steve
Zakaria is rehashing the faux advice that the way to expand your constituency is to attract the undecided middle by persuading them that your side better serves their interests. Trump’s approach is to discredit their leaders thus making the voters question whether they are perhaps on the wrong side.
High risk, high reward. Past performance is no guarantee etc., but so far Trump has racked up quite a score.