By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The article criticizes former President Donald Trump as unfit to hold political office in the United States. The author cites several issues with Trump’s character, such as his egoism, deceitfulness, and allegations of sexual assault. Trump’s competency and intellect are also questioned, based on his history in business and politics. The opinion piece underlines concerns about Trump’s knowledge and handling of governance, foreign affairs, and the economy. It ends expressing hope that the values of democracy will resist potential threats presented by Trump’s political influence.
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Donald Trump was never qualified to be president — or anything else for that matter. The very fact that he stands at the gates of power once again is a testament not to his abilities, but to the fragility of our political system. Over the years, we have witnessed a man who has woven a tapestry of lies, embraced failure as a status quo, and demonstrated incompetence in nearly every endeavor he has embarked upon. I often find myself wondering how this conman could command so much influence in American society, especially after the chaos he unleashed during his presidency.
His track record is glaringly evident. During his tenure, he failed miserably to deliver on promises he made with the fervor of a carnival barker. Despite controlling both houses of Congress and the presidency from 2017 to 2019, what tangible results did we witness? The immigration reform he touted evaporated into thin air, border security efforts crumbled into meaningless rhetoric, and an increase in manufacturing jobs seemed like a cruel joke. Instead, we lost over 250,000 jobs before COVID-19 even reared its head, and his trade policies led to the decimation of agricultural industries across the heartland. He stood before the nation, a supposedly elected leader, and did nothing. Just a series of broken chairs at a table meant for serious conversation.
No one can dispute that he is skilled at self-promotion. That has always been his forte. However, that ability does not translate to effective leadership. Instead of showing a commitment to public service, he exemplifies self-interest, only appearing focused on benefitting his own image and wallet. With a track record that culminated in impeachments, countless legal troubles, and a penchant for sowing division, he should be the very definition of disqualification. Yet here we are, teetering on the brink of potentially allowing this political caricature to stride back into power.
The sheer absurdity of his political survival is astonishing. It baffles me how millions can still rally behind him, approaching his rhetoric like an impenetrable shield against their own failures. His followers seem lost in a haze of misplaced loyalty, often attributing their dissatisfaction with their circumstances to external forces rather than confronting the self-serving antics of the man they idolize. Their blind acceptance has morphed a dangerous populism into a cult-like worship. It feels exhausting and disheartening for those of us who cling to the hope that intellect and morality have a place in governance.
The media’s role in propping him up cannot be understated. He became a household name because of a reality television show that masqueraded as a documentary of entrepreneurial genius. In reality, it was nothing more than a staged performance, which ironically revealed just how disconnected from real success he was. Do we really need to entertain the notion that a failed businessman turned reality star could possess the qualities of a competent leader? The very idea is overwhelmingly perplexing.
If we open our minds to the possibility of an alternative timeline — one in which The Apprentice never aired, where he wasn’t paraded around as a success story — we may find ourselves in a vastly different political landscape. A world where instead of superficial charisma, integrity and hard work are the guiding principles. Instead, we must contend with a reality where tens of millions have been sold a false narrative of triumph, convinced to disregard the explicit failures laid before them.
It is entirely possible that our political system requires reevaluation of its foundational rules. How is it that anyone, regardless of their integrity or competence, can ascend to the highest office in the land? Shouldn’t there be a baseline standard for candidates? The expectation of a knowledge of laws and governance seems fundamental, but it appears utterly absent in this case. As we drift closer to another election cycle, the thought of another four years under his questionable leadership fills me with dread.
His continued presence in our political arena serves as a glaring indictment of how easily charisma can mask incompetence. It’s a chilling thought as I watch the nation wrestle with the prospect of his return to the Oval Office. Enough is enough; the refrain of preventing him from either mopping floors or wielding power should resonate loudly to those who understand the consequences of his former tenure. The future of this democracy should not be left in the hands of a person more qualified for a reality show than the complexities of sovereignty. We must gather our collective will and ensure that sanity prevails in the face of a looming threat that keeps washing up on the shores of American politics.