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by basedgod 1434 days ago
I think what matters more is not his current views on any particular subject or knowledge thereof. but rather his well demonstrated ability to not only challenge his own views( and the current prevailing views/ countercurrent views ) - but also that of being able to surround himself by writers and collaboraters and and other people who can challenge his views.

it's very analogous to empiricism in research. I wouldn't trust him to get the right answer on his own, nor on the first time. but, I'd trust him, that it put up the the task on the issue of governance, he wouldn't be arrogant enough to assume he knows the only right way to do something, and hed actually try to sorround himself by intelligent capable people, and rely on their advice to get things done

2 comments

I understand where you’re coming from. From my perspective, leadership in Washington is already surrounded by a cadre of policy wonks and researchers who guide policy and inform the lawmakers. While it is no-doubt true that the personalities of the politicians involved determine how open to reflection they are, the POTUS is often just picking between a handful of proposals which have been compiled for consideration.

This is something touched on with Bush Jr.’s Decision Points. The president has so many things to handle that they end up having little time to truly delve deep into the problem and wind up delegating most of that to their staff. It was a meme when Bush said he was “the decider”, but it’s very accurate.

Challenge himself, surround himself etc - but to make better jokes. They’re just jokes not genuine positions. He’s said that himself - it’s just done for comedy. He looks for the funniest thing to say over looking for the truth.