Trump the Pragmatist

     People love Donald Trump because they see him as a pragmatist who can get things done.  There is nothing inherently wrong with being a pragmatist.  I would oppose any candidate whom I thought lacked the ability to approach and resolve problems in a practical way.  But one’s pragmatism must not be exercised without guiding principles; pragmatism without clear vision can lead to disastrous results. 

     We can assess a man’s principles and vision by looking at what he’s done and by listening to what he says.  On that score Donald Trump has given us plenty on which to judge his qualifications for the presidency.  But we must also judge his character not only on the soundness of his ideas and the depth of his convictions, but also on his values and his sense of right and wrong.  These qualities, in my view, count for more than his personal success in the marketplace or his ability to tap into the anger of people frustrated with the incompetence of political hacks.   

     The reasons people like me dislike Trump are numerous.  His bankruptcies and business failures are well known and cast doubt on the methods he has used to achieve his great wealth.  His flip-flops on issues like abortion, health care, and liberal causes are also well known.  His broad and often vulgar use of insults to denigrate women, the disabled, the media, and political opponents paints a picture of a shallow, thin-skinned narcissist who cannot stand criticism or defend himself with well-reasoned arguments.  And when he accuses others of being liars, even a revered figure like George W. Bush, he exposes his own troubled mendacity. 

     In all of this Donald Trump has revealed his character.  And it is not the character of a man who is qualified to be president.  It is my sincere wish that people who support Trump today will look beyond his bluster, his unreasonable promises, and his twisted view of the world.  We can do better.  We must.