During and since the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump has made several statements that plumb the depth of his narcissism and proclaim his unfitness and incompetence to be president of the United States.
Consider:
When asked what he hoped would be the most important thing to come out of the GOP convention, Trump responded he would like people to know he’s liked. Not a word about national interests, the GOP’s unity or a prayer for orderly and peaceful demonstrations. Just another display of Trump’s manic egotism.
In his frightful acceptance speech at the convention, Trump boasted: “Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it.” He doesn’t need his administration, the congress, the courts or, indeed, the American people. In his mind, he’s the only reality.
When the hacking of the Democratic National Committee’s computer system was disclosed, probably at the hands of the Russian government, Trump said, “Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,” clearly a reference to Sec. Clinton. Despite his later attempt to pass this off as sarcasm, this certainly was an invitation to Vladimir Putin, whom Trump admires, to conduct espionage in the U.S. and interfere in our political system. It was another demonstration of Trump’s reckless behavior and ignorance of national security. Trump arrogance.
In a blatant act of bullying, Trump turned against a mother and her crying baby at a rally. After first saying, “Don’t worry, I love babies,” moments later he said with his usual demeaning expression, “Actually, I was only kidding, you can get the baby out of here.” Not a whiff of empathy or kindness, just Trump meanness.
David Brooks, the brilliant conservative writer, wrote of Trump: “He is a morally untethered, spiritually vacuous man who appears haunted by multiple personality disorders.”
Perhaps the most revealing display of Trump’s contempt for anyone critical of him was his series of responses to the Democratic convention speech of Khizr Khan, and to his wife Ghazala, the parents of a decorated son killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq 12 years ago. Mr. Khan, a Harvard lawyer, accused Trump of not understanding the Constitution and offered him a pocket edition. Trump said Khan “viciously attacked” him and had no right to do so. He demeaned Ms. Khan by saying her husband probably would not let her speak at the convention. Trump’s continued contempt for Muslims and women drew strong negative responses from many Republican leaders; questions are now being raised as to Trump’s viability as the nominee of the party.
It’s doubtful Trump is going to be removed from the GOP ticket, as is reportedly being discussed. If he tumbles in the polls and continues to be ridiculed by increasing numbers in his own party, it’s more likely Trump implodes with unforeseeable consequences.
The Mayo Clinic describes narcissism as, “Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of ultraconfidence (sic) lies a fragile self-esteem that’s vulnerable to the slightest criticism.” A person with those characteristics can’t be trusted with the presidency.
Bo Statham is a retired lawyer, congressional aid and businessman. He lives in Gardnerville and can be reached at bostatham@me.com.