Donald Trump keeps trying to show class, but that’s something you can’t just send someone out to buy for you. This week has been an example of his attempts. He has some of the mechanics of class down, but what is always missing is that vital ingredient — compassion. When a person is unable to feel compassion, he or she comes across as being mechanical, just as the president’s attempts to console the Bush family in their time of grief show.
POTUS tweeted that he was “looking forward to” spending time with the Bush family. That might be appropriate for them coming to an event at the White House or even the dedication of a memorial, but not when they have lost their patriarch. Trump tweeted:
‘Looking forward to being with the wonderful Bush family at Blair House today. The former First Lady will be coming over to the White House this morning to be given a tour of the Christmas decorations by Melania. The elegance & precision of the last two days have been remarkable!’
Unfortunately, the sitting president is tone-deaf to feelings. People who do not have empathy are unable to relate to other people’s feelings. They find it easy to dehumanize their adversaries, since other people aren’t “real” to them.
Instead, Trump sent his first lady over to see the family and take former first lady Laura Bush on a tour of the current Christmas decorations. Mrs. Bush probably would enjoy the diversion, so Donald Trump gets a “E” for effort on that one.
Then, in the next sentence of his tweet, POTUS speaks of the “elegance & precision” of the last two days. Granted, the military performed its formal, outstanding military duties surrounding George H.W. Bush’s funeral with remarkable precision. They do that with all military funerals, no matter how small.
Yet, “elegance” does not fit there. Perhaps, Trump was referring to the traditions revolving around America’s fallen leaders — the respect, grace, and honor that 41 embodies and 45 totally lacks.
Twitter world caught fire. Check out some of our favorite tweets below:
Featured image is a screenshot via YouTube.
