As the saying goes, “with great power comes great responsibility.” This is especially true for the President of a country, who holds the highest position of authority and is responsible for making decisions that affect the lives of millions of people. However, what happens when the president’s popularity starts to decline? Does it mean that their actions will become more extreme in an attempt to regain support? According to Ari Berman of Mother Jones, the answer is yes. But, he also reminds us that this does not guarantee success.
In recent times, we have seen a rise in political polarization and a decline in the approval ratings of many world leaders. The United States is no exception, with President Donald Trump’s approval rating hitting an all-time low of 35% in December 2017, according to a Gallup poll. This has led to speculation that the president may resort to extreme measures in an attempt to boost his popularity. However, as Berman points out, this may not be the case.
In an interview with Mother Jones, Berman explains that as a president becomes more unpopular, they may feel pressure to take drastic actions to win back support. This could include implementing controversial policies or making bold statements to appeal to their base. However, Berman cautions that this does not necessarily mean these actions will be successful.
History has shown us that extreme measures do not always lead to success. In fact, they can often backfire and further damage a president’s reputation. Take, for example, President Richard Nixon’s decision to fire the special prosecutor investigating the Watergate scandal in 1973. This move, known as the “Saturday Night Massacre,” was seen as an abuse of power and ultimately led to Nixon’s resignation.
Similarly, President Trump’s controversial travel ban, which targeted citizens from several Muslim-majority countries, was met with widespread criticism and legal challenges. Despite his intentions to appeal to his base, the ban only further divided the country and damaged his reputation.
Berman also reminds us that a president’s actions are not solely determined by their popularity. They are also influenced by their personal beliefs and the political climate. As Berman puts it, “a president’s actions are a reflection of their character and ideology, not just their approval ratings.”
So, what does this mean for the future of the United States under President Trump? Berman believes that as his popularity continues to decline, we may see more extreme actions from the president. However, he also emphasizes that this does not guarantee success. In fact, it may only further polarize the country and damage his reputation.
As citizens, it is important for us to remember that our leaders are not infallible. They are human, and their decisions can have both positive and negative consequences. It is our responsibility to hold them accountable and to continue to advocate for what we believe is right, regardless of their popularity.
In conclusion, while it is true that a president’s actions may become more extreme as their popularity declines, it is not a guarantee of success. As citizens, we must remain vigilant and hold our leaders accountable for their actions. And as Berman reminds us, “a president’s character and ideology are more important than their approval ratings.” Let us hope that our leaders remember this and make decisions that truly benefit the country and its people.
