We Have a President Who Resembles a Spoiled Toddler

By Dan Rather, Dan Rather's Facebook Page

04 March 18

t is fair to ask just now whether a child psychologist is needed to help us make sense of the chaos in the White House. Because it strikes many people that we seem to have a petulant and spoiled toddler throwing a temper tantrum, with the Oval Office resembling a romper room.

There is no joy in asking this question.I love the United States of America and its people. I cherish what are on our best days. And to see our economy, society, and national destiny at the whim of a man who strikes so many people—at home and abroad—as not having the temperament for the Presidency. To consider this is to be struck with a great and profound sadness.

From trade deals to gun policy to immigration rights to medical care to every other aspect of our complex and interconnected polity, Mr Trump may be inflicting real damage with what, by any reasonable analysis, is his recklessness.

We need to have a functioning government. The world needs for us to have a functioning government. Was all of this predictable? An argument can be made that the answer is yes if you reread the assessments of bipartisan critics during the campaign.

But that is now for the historians to judge. It is up to everyone in a position of power and everyone with the right to vote who believes that what is happening is dangerous to put a halt to it.