It is one thing to compete, and an entirely different thing to have a winning strategy.
When there is little public record of past accomplishments (or failures), it is rather easy to project a positive image, or at least one favorable to the person. But the past four years have been a pretty public display, and what had seemed to be a “likable” personality turned out to be shallow, doctrinaire, petty and often arrogant besides.
I am sure that Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre seemed to urbane, witty and bright when he first appeared on the national scene as the French Revolution was gaining momentum.
And he was, or so appeared to be. He became a member of the Jacobin Club, an early-day version of “community organizers” dedicated to establishing “Rights of Man”. The “likable” side quickly disappeared, though, when he felt compelled to institute the Reign of Terror, during which time young Robespierre became a bloodthirsty tyrant, unwilling to consider the least controversey to his policy of “purifying” the Revolution.
Robespierre himself finally fell victim to the very apparatus he had instituted to rid France of all dissent, the summary execution of declared outlaws within 24 hours of capture and detention, by decapitation. The guillotine had been set up in the public square, where it was a very effective instrument for silencing opposition and encouraging compliance.
Throwing people under the bus seems almost merciful in comparison. But we know where this is headed.
Let’s show him how great he is by throwing him out of office in November.
I can see a cartoon, the one and Michele are reading
the want ads, she says, “Honey, this one is perfect
for you! Wanted Presidential Doodler, no experience
necessary, apply to DNC.”