No More, No Less
The public discussion of policy issues; Corona Virus policy, societal racism, economic policy and international relations to name a few topics, are frequently overshadowed or distorted by one's view of President Donald Trump. This interferes with the evolution or implementation of well examined policy. One may have strong views on mandatory vaccination or carbon emission limits for vehicles, but if the person of the President is paramount in the discussion, the policy outcome may be ineffectual or at best sub-optimal..
We have had presidents in the past who, in retrospect, were open to strong criticisms much as President Trump is today.
• Franklin Roosevelt was a womanizer before becoming paralyzed. He is also considered to have high-handedly violated The Constitution in many ways during The Great Depression and later during WW-II.
• President Truman the use of nuclear weapons, and later nationalized railroads and steel mills with federal troops.
• President Kennedy had extramarital affaires while he was president, some assignations took place inside the White house.
• President Nixon systematically abused power to ensure that he remained in power. Eventually he was impeached.
• President Clinton was an admitted womanizer in and out of office. He too was impeached. Eventually he was charged with perjury and disbarred as a lawyer.
With all that said, each of these men are recognized for accomplishing significant things while in office.
President Trump with his personal faults, is in good company historically speaking. Let's focus on the policy discussions, not the man.