From 1967 to 1970, no episode of “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-in” would be complete without Jo Ann Worley putting her finger to her cheek and letting loose with a falsetto delivery of her signature expression “BORING!” Last night, in the middle of the first Democratic presidential debate, Donald Trump channeled Worley and in a one word Tweet said the same of the first 10 candidates who want to replace him.
And of course, the print and broadcast media were quick to share Trump’s declaration with the world. Yet, once again they missed the major point. In six characters, “Mr. In Plain Sight” gave the single most important reason why he is unfit to be chief executive of the United States. Governing bores him.
I confess I did not watch the debate last night. First, as I have already shared in my June 10 post “Sound Policy v. Sound Bites“, I do not understand the fascination with debates when we should be holding job interviews. But, I am also cognizant of the difference in perception of those who watched the 1960 Kennedy/Nixon debates and those who listened to it on the radio. I took it one step further by reading the transcript uninfluenced by how a speaker looked or sounded. I would have even preferred if the transcript had assigned numbers rather than use the candidates’ names. There is a reason serious research is done through “double blind” tests. Eliminate the biases and pay more attention to the substance.
Which brings me back to the incumbent’s belief bluster and name calling trumps (I know) content. Without the benefit of video or audio one thing was clear. It did not matter whether the individuals on that stage were men or women, young or old or people of color. Some had stories to tell and hoped their respective life experiences were enough to convince voters they understood what Americans want in a president. Others offered specific remedies for what they see as shortcomings in the founders’ vision of “a more perfect union.” And some stuck to broad-brush platitudes identifying needs but little in the way of solutions.
These three approaches to getting voters’ attention explains why Trump’a assessment of the debate as “boring” is such a self-indictment of his misunderstanding of his oath of office and the responsibilities associated with that oath. Life stories are fascinating but not debatable. Statements of intent are inspirational but are no substitute for action or competence. It is that third category, specific strategies and tactics, which result in change and have impact on the citizenry.
And the process of defining and codifying such plans is “boring.” It is done away from microphones and cameras. It is accomplished through analysis of data from multiple sources. And most importantly, it is achieved through reconciliation of diverse interests. Good decision making should not be a polar opposite response to one’s predecessor or based on the preference of the last supporter to whom you talk.
I am sure I was not the only person who passed on the debate last night. Many of us are tired of the saber rattling on both sides of the political spectrum. Sadly, our leaders equate being in the public eye with governing. And those who want to be disruptors, think they must be in our face constantly. For me, “the good old days” were when our leaders valued being out of the spotlight.
In my own experience, I keep coming back to one session during my time at the National Governors Association (NGA) when five state chief executives and the CEOs of five major U.S. corporations met privately to discuss state economic development incentives. No posturing. No showboating. Honest conversation. The result? A multi-year initiative to recognize entrepreneurship, not smokestack chasing, as the primary American economic growth engine.
Yes. I want a president who does not constantly lie. I want a president who champions global democracy and human rights. I want a president who does not believe in moral equivalency. But most importantly, I want a president who understands the difference between campaigning and governing. Even if that means he or she, as Jo Ann Worley would say, is “BORING!”
For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP