OK – here is an interesting number – 77,301,997! A big number – wouldn’t you agree? Any ideas what this number represents? I’ll end the suspense – that is the number of votes President Trump received in the 2024 election.
Now – let me ask you another question – why did Trump garner such support? Anti-Trumpers might say – “well – the American people are stupid.” That is one explanation but I’m not certain it is very objective nor am I convinced it is correct. Maybe we need to try again. How about – “high net worth individuals want a president that will help line their pockets.” Again, probably not a great explanation since he received over 77,000,000 votes so it stands to reason that they were not all “high net worth people”. Another popular explanation for his victory was that “he painted a grim picture of America under the leadership of Vice President Harris.” Again, he certainly did but that’s just politics and it’s how this game is played unfortunately. I think it would be safe to say that the Harris campaign employed that same tactic but not as successfully.
OK – let me clearly state, I’m really not certain as to why he was elected but…you have to admit that this man has a very real appeal to many and that was evidenced by over 77 million people casting their ballot for him. I suspect that many people like his “directness and toughness” on issues. That “directness and toughness” is often not very “political” (especially on the domestic front) but I think many Americans find it refreshing. I also believe that in the world of international politics, this “trait” may pay dividends when negotiating with other foreign leaders. Again, I am not certain of this but I surmise it might be the case!
Below please find a clip of a discussion between Bill Maher and Peggy Noonan in which they discuss President Trump and his “way” of communicating. I believe there are lessons to be learned from this conversation.
News Flash – every president has strengths and weaknesses and President Trump is no different! I support many of the positions, policies, and cabinet nominees put forth by President Trump. Unfortunately however, sometimes his tact leaves something to be desired; he often struggles with emotional intelligence. There is a time to speak boldly and a time to make certain your words are more measured. Below please find a time when I wish he had remained quiet or at least respectful.
When we have a plane accident with 67 deaths, it seems like a good time to put politics aside and help the nation heal. Unproven assertions at the press conference immediately following the crash were, in my opinion, in poor taste.
I really doubt that the President will ever change his approach. I wish he would because I believe that a change would help him have a more positive and consequential presidency. I think he could learn a thing or two from the man in the next video.
When we, as a nation, witnessed the Challenger explosion on January 28, 1986, President Reagan was at his finest in comforting the nation! President Reagan displayed exceptional Emotional Intelligence when the country needed it!
The contrast is rather stark – wouldn’t you agree?
Thoughts / Comments??
2 responses to “Emotional Intelligence and Presidential Leadership!”
Thomas.
Most politicians exercise diplomacy because they were taught that in political science 101. Trump never took political science courses, he was a businessman and in order to be successful there was quite often no time for diplomacy. As you stated 77 million people elected him. I assume because they were tired of Diplomacy. With Trump as president, I’m sure there will be change, some of which has already taken place. The old saying be careful what you wish for comes into play. Individuals at all levels have needs and wants, if they receive these things they may overlook Mr Trumps lack of diplomacy, if not, then not only will they be upset, we as a nation might be in jeopardy with those we consider allies!
Good Morning Joe!
Thank you for your thoughtful response! A friend of mine recently gave me his copy of “Trump – The Art of the Deal”. The book has a copyright date of 1987. That said, it really gives you an interesting look into the mind of President Trump. You are exactly correct – he comes at this “job” from the perspective of a businessman. He is using skills developed as a businessman in his role as president. When he was elected, I said to Eleanor that this is going to be an interesting and sometimes rocky ride. I think we will see that played out over the next 4 years. There are times however, we need a disruptor. A disruptor however, will certainly ruffle feathers. Change is always hard but often necessary.