Although, many politicians, and public officials, unfortunately, resort, at – times, to a degree of political spin, never before, in recent memory, have we witnessed any individual, consistently, articulate a message, based on denials, doubling – down on these, calling anything, which he disagrees with, or disagrees with him, as fake facts, etc, as we have, these last few years, from Donald Trump! Many believe, our Presidents are often, judged, not solely, on their political popularity, during their tenure, but, on their legacy! In the vast number of cases, while, we might disagree with an individual, in – office, based on his political beliefs, plans, strategies, actions, etc, the basic events, are not, at – issue! However, this President, because of the number of times, political fact – checkers, state, he has lied, etc, and his pattern, of never apologizing, admitting an error, taking personal responsibility, etc, and his tendency, to blame and complain, accusing others, along – the – way! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 5 instances/ factors, which might influence, Trump’s legacy.
1. Race relations: Perhaps, these past few years, have witnessed, a deterioration, in race relations, at a pace, unseen, in, at least, a half – century! In my lifetime, I did not believe, we would once again, witness, as much systemic racism, White Supremacy, neo – Nazism, etc, and a President, whose level of rhetoric, and vitriol, inflamed this hatred and bigotry, at this level/ pace! The apparent – divide, in our society, between, those, who, believe, in equal rights, justice, and freedom, and those, who seem, to believe, it only applies, selectively, is concerning! Although, Trump claims, he has been wonderful, in terms of these issues, many believe, quite – the – contrary, to be the true facts!
2. International/ foreign relations: Although, he claims, he was protecting, American interests, by removing or limiting our involvement, from long – lasting, alliances/ pacts/ agreements, opposing the Paris Accords, etc, those, who differ, believe, Trump has consistently, put his own personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self – interest, ahead of maintaining/ strengthening our historic alliances, while simultaneously, appearing, to embrace, relationships, with leaders of China, Russian, North Korea, etc.
3. Handling pandemic: Perhaps, the one item, which will impact his legacy, more than, any other, is Trump’s handling of the pandemic. He has consistently, proclaimed, if he didn’t handle, it, so well, the results, would have been, much worse, but many of us, believe, the data, indicates otherwise! Since, the United States’ population, represents approximately 4.5% of the world’s population, we have experienced, approximately, 20% of the cases, and fatalities, it means, instead of, nearly, 250, 000 fatalities, we should have seen, about, 50, 000 (or so), so, what might his legacy, show about how he handled this horrendous occurrence?
4. Economy/ Financial: Prior to the pandemic, the United States’ economy, appeared, to be, extremely healthy, with a low unemployment rate, and a strong stock – market. However, if one looked, beyond – the – surface, the actual growth/ strength of the stock market, was, not as good, a pace, as his predecessor, and, largely, was based, on, smoke – and – mirrors, because, with record – low, interest rates, there were few other, viable options, available, for investing/ parking – funds! While Trump brags about his stewardship, and, how well, the nation, benefited from the tax reform, of 2017, many believe, it benefited the wealthiest Americans, instead of equally, assisting, all of us! What will be his eventual legacy, in this area?
5. Integrity/ ethics: This President claims, his administration, has been the most transparent, and he drained the, so – called, swamp! Unfortunately, this seems, to significantly, differ from reality. Have we ever seen, any greater, degree, of, lack of ethics, as we have witnessed?
We judge Presidents, often, on their legacy, and, it often, depends on a variety of factors! How do you believe, the present one, will he judged, and considered?