OPINION:
No one has had more contempt for Donald Trump or his outlandish behavior than I, nor has anyone been more pessimistic about the future of the country under Mr. Trump’s rule.
In closely listening to and observing him since the election, however, I see a completely different person. Most compelling was last Sunday’s “60 Minutes” interview, which featured a thoughtful, reasonable, well-spoken, calm, almost likable Mr. Trump who back-tracked on the extreme positions he adopted during the campaign.
He reflexively condemned instances of violence undertaken against minorities, looking into the camera as he directed those who might be inclined to commit such acts to “stop it.” As I knew would be the case, he made it clear that he will not yield to the mob that chanted, of Hillary Clinton, “Lock her up.” Much to this fringe element’s dismay, I am sure, he stated that he does not want to hurt the Clintons, that they are “good people.” He considers gay marriage to be settled law, which will not change no matter whom he appoints to the Supreme Court. He boasted of the expression of support for the LGBT community. And if the Roe v. Wade decision should be overturned (something he said would be “a long way off” if it were ever to happen), he noted the issue would be thrown back to the states.
I cannot say that I have confidence that the country is in good hands or that the next four years will serve to make our country “great again,” but I must acknowledge that I am now not nearly as discouraged as I was the morning after the election.
As President-elect Trump steps away from outlandishness, a pattern I hope will continue, will he lose the support of those who voted for him?
OREN M. SPIEGLER
Upper St. Clair, Pa.
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