Ex-presidents need to offer Trump a primer on the presidency

We have a unique opportunity in this country, one that we’ve never had before. We have five living experts on the presidency: Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

I can’t imagine they’re pleased with what the current White House resident is doing. What needs to happen is that these people, who are really the only ones totally qualified to speak on the presidency, need to school Trump on his office.

Now, while these people have no authority, they can have influence. And while they each had their individual successes and failures, they each understand how a president is supposed to act. They need to let Trump know that he is ruining the credibility of the United States, weakening our security and causing our allies to scratch their heads and wonder if America will have their backs in a crisis.

The ex-presidents could do this by composing a statement that not only comments on Trump’s actions, but offers him good, basic, non-partisan advice. This statement, possibly the first of many, could be published in full-page ads in newspapers nationwide and on the Internet.

This statement should not be based on politics. It needs to be a primer on the presidency, on how he needs to be tactful and caring of others’ opinions. On how the presidency is not only about him, but about the millions of Americans who look to their president for support.

The key here is to be non-partisan. For better or for worse, he is our president and, since he has zero political experience and knowledge, we need to figure out a way to make him a better president. And the only ones who can do that are the people who have been in his shoes…and his office.

 

Published by Mike Sturman

I am a retired journalist with nearly 30 years in the field, during which time I was a reporter and held numerous editor positions at local newspapers and a number of magazines. After I retired, I was a sub in my local school district, then did PR for that district. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in journalism, and as for my politics, that's simple: I'm a liberal Democrat. I'm married, and my wife recently retired after 25 years as a teacher. We have one daughter, who has earned her PhD and works at a UC. Through this blog, I hope to pass on some interesting thoughts and ideas, entertain with some lighthearted posts and generally quell my pandemic-induced boredom.

2 thoughts on “Ex-presidents need to offer Trump a primer on the presidency

  1. I think you should send this to each ex-president’s office somehow. It’s a good idea. Maybe even send it to your local congressperson, too, since he/she may have more of an effect on voting on Trump’s policies.

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