Acid Antics; Acid Answers
I just read Frank Bruni’s marvelous piece, filled with alliteration and assonance (they are different I learned from my former amazing provost), on why Trump (and I’d add Vance) should be scared of the upcoming debates. It appeared in the NYTimes on August 29, 2024.
Bruni’s Brilliance
Bruni notes that Kamala may provide “oratory oatmeal” (not a compliment but a great assonance). In my words, she doesn’t spew venom. If the last few weeks are any indicator, the Republican nominees’ venom level is increasing. Kamala, on the other hand, may have been short on specifics since the start of her candidacy but she has been clear, abundantly and remarkably clear, in terms of values and messages and priorities. For a new candidate, that is a strong positive.
But, there’s another trait of Trump: an obsession with looks (primarily his own) that should concern us. Bruni noted, and I fact checked this because it seemed incredulous, that Trump said he’s a “prettier person that Kamala is.” For real. Seemingly, he is talking about physical looks. Why is he even commenting on looks? Why is he even raising that he thinks (and feels) he’s prettier? And if he were talking about personality, he’s surely not prettier. Who even says something like that if they are not four years old?
To feel the need to verbalize one’s “being prettier” than another candidate is way way way off the mark for me. Not only is it untrue (speaking untruths is another bad habit Trump has) but it is irrelevant and ridiculously immature and self-delusional.
Basically, Bruni concludes that Trump isn’t up to debating Kamala. I believe (and I hope) he’s right. Time will tell for sure.
Real Problems
I have a bigger issue than the debate, one raised by Bruni and others as to who should be the leader of our nation.
Our world writ large has more real problems than you can count on both hands and both feet. Here’s a starter list (and in no order of priority): environmental hazards, viruses and other illnesses, wars, guns on streets and in homes, lack of mental wellness, homelessness and food scarcity, educational and chronic health challenges, drug and alcohol use and abuse, reproductive and literary freedom (or lack thereof), political and judicial and police corruption and self-dealing, economic instability and infrastructure instability, discrimination and sexual harassment that runs wide and deep and high.
Now is a time for real leadership. This isn’t a reality tv show. This isn’t a game. This isn’t a moment to see who has bigger or better body parts or hair. This isn’t the moment to dump dirt. No indeed.
Instead, this is the moment to problem solve. This is the moment to find ways that words can work their way into action. This is the moment to see the harsh issues affecting our globe. This is the moment to show wisdom and dignity and thoughtfulness and perspicacity. This is the moment for leaders to surround themselves with experts with remarkable experience and in the trenches work experience, on the ground not in a penthouse. (Robert Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard would not be good choices although Trump has chosen them.)
This is not the time for being acidic, unless one is referencing the environment. This is not the time to be display antics. This is the time for accurate answers and active attention and admirable and authentic aims. This is a time for accomplished leadership. Now some assonance and alliteration (some above and some below in this paragraph). There is, for the record, a vast difference between being acerbic and assertive. There is a difference between bullying and bravery. There is a difference, a marked difference, between fecklessness and frankness. I, for one, want leaders who are assertive, brave and frank, among many other positive qualities. Shouldn’t that be what we all need?
