By James W. Dolan
Reporter Columnist
For the life of me I cannot understand how so many good, otherwise sensible, people view President Trump as a responsible leader despite the myriad examples of his unfitness for the office. What is it that prevents them from seeing what is so obvious to us who are appalled by his behavior and obvious limitations? Are they incapable of assessing his character flaws or simply willing to excuse them so long as he feeds their prejudices, financial interests, or underlying anger at a host of real or imagined grievances?
Some view themselves as victims of an elaborate conspiracy to undermine what they consider as threats to unfettered autonomy. The right without restraints to worship, bear arms, congregate, make money, challenge authority – and hate. Others just resent being ignored by a government that fails to properly balance competing interests. They feel “left out” and oppressed by “political correctness.”
Instead of acknowledging the inherent weaknesses and limitations of human nature in struggling to sustain a democracy, they look to a leader who professes to have all the answers. Rather than accept the reality of patient but sustained incremental efforts to strengthen and improve the country, they fall under the spell of a demagogue who distorts reality. Everything he does is perfect. He makes no mistakes and is not responsible for any problems. Blame is the name of this game in his target-rich environment.
Trump identifies with his base, but not because he shares their views. He normally appeals to their most primitive instincts, inciting fear and anger while his policies are fluid, favoring whatever he believes will work to his advantage. Staying in power by whatever means necessary is what drives his relentless ambition. Some of his supporters are certainly repulsed by his angry outbursts, but how do they overlook them? When did character, truthfulness, honor, and humility become expendable?
Sure, many of our past presidents had significant deficiencies; they were, after all, human beings. But in none was the absence of redeeming personal virtues so evident as in this president. I have truly looked for some quality in him I could admire and failed. I concluded he likely has a serious personality disorder for which he may not be entirely responsible. Even he is entitled to some understanding and compassion.
As a young judge, I attended a lecture by the chief psychologist at the Nevada State Prison. He said inmates fall into three general categories – psychotics, neurotics, and those with personality disorders (sociopaths and psychopaths). Psychotic symptoms, he explained, could be controlled with medication. Neurotics could be cured with a combination of counseling and drugs. But inmates with personality disorders were the most difficult to help because they had no conscience. Lacking internal restraints, but often clever and articulate, they invariably seek to manipulate situations for what they perceive to be their own self-interest.
To me, Trump appears to fall into the last category. What do his supporters see in him that I am missing? Perhaps they see what I see, but it just doesn’t bother them. That certainly is a troubling conclusion. As a nation, we must retain our ability to recognize the difference between a charlatan and a good, albeit flawed, candidate.
James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court judge who now practices law.
