The need for civility within politics is at an all-time high, and President Trump is certainly not helping.
On Friday, the White House temporarily reinstated CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s media pass with press secretary Sarah Sanders, stating, “There must be decorum at the White House.” Her statement was entirely correct. Quickly, though, her boss proved that under the current administration, the rules don’t apply to the ones making them.
Just two days later, Trump tweeted about “little Adam Schitt” and his concern over acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker. Any context surrounding the issue (California Democrat Rep. Adam Schiff’s concern over Whitaker’s lack of Senate approval) was all but lost as many questioned why the president would insult a member of Congress in such a juvenile manner. Unfortunately, we see this behavior quite often from Trump.
Of all the problems facing our country, both foreign and domestic, how the elected leader of our nation treats other individuals is not high on the collective priority list. Americans as a whole are concerned about providing for their families, educating their children, economic growth, national security, immigration, and healthcare. The majority of citizens aren’t invested in the seemingly never-ending Mueller investigation at all. However, this does not mean that we as members of the electorate should dismiss and therefore endorse bad behavior. Since Republicans would be quick to criticize similar actions if they came from our political opponents, it is not a principled move to turn a blind eye to our own.
Trump and others should take a lesson from Rep.-elect Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas. Crenshaw, who had been mocked on “Saturday Night Live” for his war wounds and eye patch, graciously accepted an apology on the air one week later from Pete Davidson. During an appearance with two newly elected congresswomen on Sunday’s “State of the Union” with Jake Tapper, Crenshaw reminded once more of the need for civil behavior:
If junior members of Congress can recognize the need for polite discourse and provide a simple solution, then the man who resides in the Oval Office should not only follow that advice but be the ultimate example of it in action.
I fail to see how “Making America Great Again” can be supported by continuously bad conduct during interactions with the press and politicians and while representing the U.S. abroad. The same administration desperately asking for decorum is quick to ignore the need for the same from its own ambassadors. There must be consistency.
In addition to the need for civility in general, Republicans must remember the midterm election results. While there was neither a red nor blue wave on Nov. 6, the Democrats made gains and will add to the coming legislative deadlock that is sure to happen. While many factors are at play, it’s safe to say that perhaps some of the disinterest in voting for Republicans had to do with who the party leader is at the moment. However unfair that may be, the results speak for themselves. Heading into the 2020 election, the president’s demeanor will be a huge factor.
The question is, will he make a conscious effort to be civil and by extension help both the nation and his party going forward?
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a senior contributor at RedState.com.
