Paul Gutierrez
Aug 25, 2017 · 2 min read

I think due to the division in the country, it’s reasonable to have a perception that Trump seems to focus more on his base than perhaps other presidents have in the past. Part of this perception could be due to how Trump has engaged in open conflict with many of the major media outlets so the coverage has been progressively more critical of the president as well.

In a divided nation, the willingness of people who voted for candidates which didn’t win to find ways to support the agenda of those who did can be very limited so therefore trying to appeal to them can be a case of diminishing returns.

To hold President Trump responsible for the division in the country is a case of confusing cause and effect.

I agree that all of the name calling by and about the President has widened existing differences rather than reduced them.

Trump campaigned with a specific agenda he was elected upon. He’s tried to follow through on advancing it.

Perhaps in addition to the combative relationship between Trump and the media, the drama surrounding much of the coverage of Trump and his larger than life persona provide the drama needed to drive ratings which contributes to Trump having a much shorter honeymoon period with the press than previous presidents. The media seems more focused on using drama to improve ratings and revenue than anything else.

In addition, Trump has decided to circumvent traditional media by using social media on the internet to directly communicate with his supporters.

All of the people who write personal attacks, make over the top negative comparisons, and in general paint him as evil incarnate can’t really believe this is anything that will help move the country forward.

In your comments you suggested I believed a lot of things. I don’t have much confidence in any of the traditional parties and our government is very dysfunctional.

Personal attacks about each other might be a way to express frustration or anger, but ultimately an ability to develop a consensus about how to move forward to the extent we can is what we should be focusing on in my opinion.

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Paul Gutierrez

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Trying to listen and respond with aspirations for an improved quality of life if not in the short term, at least in the long run.