Donald Trump, (Reborn) Real Estate Magnate cum Reality TV Star, is flirting with a 2012 Presidential Run.
Well, at least he gives the impression that he has any business commenting on the nation's needs and ills.
He made quite a splash at the CPAC 2011 Convention earlier this year. He's bold, he talks tough, he knows what he believes. And he's a remade billionaire.
He also rants on and on about the Obama's birth certificate (!).
Because he is more self-parody than substance gives him the leeway to go off on nonsensical, petty-divisive matters. When he sucks up the spotlight, he's refreshing with brazen bluntness.
Yet is a questionable hairline, lots of money, a headline run at a Conservative convocation, and a lot of attitude enough for a man to be President, let alone run for the office?
Honesty and out-spokenness, both welcome traits in a future commander-in-chief, need to be based in a long-term commitment to service. Looking past the obvious concerns about a possible Trump Presidency, let us consider more probing issue regarding this matter.
Trump's Corporate leadership (his trump card, if you will) is a marvel of efficiency. As CEO, the Donald calls the shots, sets business policy, hires and fires at will, and makes necessary changes all of sudden.
As for accountability, his efforts have always been subject to a board of directors, who may recompense him or remove as they see fit.
The efficacy of the business model could not subsist in Washington D.C. The Constitution designed the Federal Goverment to be limited and inefficient, nothing like a private corporation.
Mr. Trump must accept that, as President, Legislators in the House and Senate would not be directly subject to his directives. If legislators choose not to approve his program, he cannot simply fire them, as he is accustomed on his reality TV shows. Better yet, Trump would do well to consider the conciliatory style of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Christie talks the talk, walks the walk, yet works with the opposition to accomplish as much he can for the citizens of the Garden State.
In order words, can Mr. Trump work as a team player in the reality show, which is the United States Government? He has the year ahead to persuade (a critical role for any President) the American voters that he can work with the inherently dysfunctional and protracted system of Beltway Politics.
So far, though, playing to the camera and questioning President Obama's citizenship will not reveal, let alone develop, these crucial Presidential qualities. Trump can start getting serious by making his candidacy official, or at least be candid enough to admit that he has no intention of running. Either way, he won't be compromising his skills as showman.
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