The coronavirus outbreak has exposed anew how the national media still haven’t grasped why President Donald Trump appeals to many Americans.
If we had our druthers, the White House would have a conservative president who was learned and curious, sought a wide range of opinions but was confident in making a final decision, appreciated science but kept a healthy dose of skepticism, and saw his opponents for what they are, took them on when necessary but didn’t make them the enemy.
Only about half that description fits Trump, and having one attribute without the other – as we have seen – can be flammable.
But, for now, he is the president we have, and he is appreciated today by Americans both for what he is and what he is not.
During the coronavirus outbreak, the national media has been full of themselves accusing Trump and the White House of playing down the early potential for the virus and wasting a couple of weeks dithering before springing into action.