Seems like a question worth asking in an election year, especially this election year, but I wonder how many voters actually do ask themselves — and each other — that question. I also wonder why we don’t.
About the closest we ever come is asking, “Which candidate would you rather have a beer with?” It’s hard to imagine anyone at this point wanting to have a beer with Donald Trump, but I would be happy to have a beer (or glass of wine or cup of coffee or tea) with Joe Biden. When he talks “with” people (not just “to” people), he sounds authentic and genuinely interested. I think he cares and is curious to know what they’re going through. Maybe that’s because he’s been through so much. He’s going through a lot right now with his son, Hunter, and the calls to not run for re-election.
It makes him more empathic, but also tough. He has faced enough adversity to know what it takes to persevere. The only thing Trump knows how to do is skip out on his debts and dodge the criminal justice system. Biden grew up in the working class and hasn’t forgotten where he comes from. Trump came from privilege. It’s much easier to relate to Biden.
Many voters seem to crave that ineffable quality known as “charisma,” which is overrated because it can be used to cover up a host of sins — and character defects. With charisma, you never know if you’re getting the “real deal” until after Election Day. Trump is too crude and mean-spirited to be considered charismatic. Biden’s charisma is understated, but he’s the real deal.
A president needs a sense of humor, which Biden has and Trump does not. Biden’s a good storyteller. The only time Trump gets a laugh is when he puts someone down — or kicks someone who’s already down, leading to hilarity among his supporters. Trump hardly ever smiles. Biden has a warm grin. Trump’s looks more like a face cramp. And his stories sound more like a brain cramp.
Put it this way: Which one would you leave your children or grandchildren with in an emergency?
Experience is more important than charisma. I want a President who knows how government works so he/she can make it work even better. Biden knows more about government than anyone because he’s been involved since the age of 29. For the past 3½ years he and his administration made government work — not for himself or his party but for the American people. Trump had no government experience when he was elected (and his experience with business was mostly bankruptcy). His administration, no surprise, was dysfunctional, chaotic, and, of course, bankrupt.
I want a President whose ego isn’t bigger than his/her desire to help others. Biden has a strong service ethic and sense of mission. Meanwhile, there’s no room in Trump’s psyche for anyone but himself — unless he can profit from it.
I want a President who isn’t afraid to admit his/her mistakes, and who learns from them. Biden acknowledges missteps, including his poor debate performance. Trump just blames everyone else.
I want a President who tells the truth most of the time. Trump doesn’t know how to tell the truth.
I want a President who wields power as a means toward progress. Trump seeks power mostly to keep himself out of jail.
I want a President who is in touch with reality, who exudes self-confidence based on results rather than bravado and empty promises, who is committed to becoming a better person instead of spending all his time trying to fool people into thinking he’s better than everyone else.
I want a President who finds strength through collaboration and cooperation, not just competition, who believes using power multilaterally is better than going it alone, who takes a firm stand based on principle, as Biden did with Ukraine, and leverages that strength with the aid of allies. The only principle Trump knows is self-preservation. As for ethics, as Biden said in the debate, Trump has “the morals of an alley cat.” He makes common cause with dictators because they’re the only ones he understands — as self-obsessed as he is.
Some voters would prefer a crazy bastard who makes the leaders of other countries quake with fear. I want someone who inspires respect rather than fear and motivates with cooperation instead of coercion.
I want a President who is visionary enough to believe progress is possible and pragmatic enough to make it happen, even when the odds are against it. Trump’s only vision is that our country is a hellhole — except when he’s in charge. Then it magically becomes perfect. Magical thinking is not high on my list of presidential traits.
Mostly what I want in a President is a decent human being who has the desire and collaborative skills to improve people’s lives.
I don’t need him/her to be versed in the art of the deal.
I want someone who can make the ideal real.
What do you look for in a president?