What does it mean to be “presidential?” I’m sure that such a question will receive multiple answers. For instance; when Donald Trump said that Hillary Clinton did not appear ‘presidential,’ what he meant was that she was a woman, and therefore unqualified.
My criteria is actually quite simple. No one should run for the presidency if they fail to prioritize their intentions based on service, not personal gain.
First and foremost, the needs and wishes of all of the American people must take precedence. A President of the United States serves at the pleasure of the American people. He or she must embrace all of the Constitution, not just the parts they approve. Special interests must be ignored, and the safety, security, and quality of the life of the majority must come first.
Being presidential requires a firm commitment to principles and morality. The American people rightfully hold their president to a higher standard than every other man or woman in the nation. He or she must not vacillate about where their loyalties remain throughout their term in office.
Party loyalty must not take priority over the American people. Religious beliefs must be private, and have no part in decisions which affect our nation or its people.
During this election season, both Paul Ryan and Ted Cruz have proven themselves lacking in the qualities and principles needed to become our nation’s leader.
Cruz, who not only battled Trump for the Republican Party’s nomination, engaged in a virtual war filled with anger and hatred. During their battle for the primaries, Trump went so low that he actually accused Cruz’ father of participating in the assassination of JFK. If that wasn’t enough, he criticized the appearance of Cruz’ wife, Heidi.
Regardless, fear of losing future support from Republican leadership, Cruz capitulated and endorsed his enemy.
The biggest disappointment has been Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan.
Once considered a loyal American and overall “good fellow” by both parties, he is now known as the biggest hypocrite in Washington.
Initially Ryan refused to endorse and support Donald Trump. When Trump’s racism and bigotry were exposed, he denounced the “orange man.” However, after meetings with other Republican leaders, he surrendered and placed his party ahead of his weak morality.
That wasn’t the end. After the release of three tapes revealing Trump’s actual attitude towards women, and then the accusations of more than a dozen women regarding sexual assault, he said that ‘he would not defend Trump, but would continue to support him.’ Today he told the media that he had already cast his ballot.
“I stand where I’ve stood all fall and all summer,” Ryan said during an appearance on “Fox and Friends.” “In fact I already voted here in Janesville for our nominee last week in early voting. We need to support our entire Republican ticket.”
Ryan places his party first, and the American people second; this is not ‘presidential.’ He is a hypocrite and a traitor. He knows that Trump is a danger to our American way of life, but a win for the GOP takes precedence over the future of more than 320 million Americans.
Republicans have no interest in my life or yours. They are ambitious men and women who place election and reelection at the forefront of their plans for the future. The safety and welfare of our nation are of little concern.
Please pass on the truth; our people need it. I ask you to re-post, and thank you.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of DonkeyHotey
Follow me on twitter; @jamesturnagenov
The Truth With No Restrictions 