Having A Sensitive President Can Be A Bad Look On The Global Stage

A Midwestern educator once expressed to her students that possessing a sense of humor signifies intelligence. “Observe the classroom,” she noted. “The astute students grasp the joke instantly, while others may falter.” While I have not validated this hypothesis with a specialist, I firmly subscribe to it. Wit requires agility, perspective, and unencumbered thought.This is why it holds significance when our leaders can appreciate self-deprecating humor. Historical figures like Reagan reframed age-related inquiries into comedic moments, while Obama showcased self-mockery at the Correspondents’ Dinner. George W. Bush, often a target of satire, learned to embrace it.Such humility differentiates us from the monarchies we distanced ourselves from. Unlike kings who demand reverence, presidents in a democratic society should be able to laugh with their citizens. Donald Trump fails to grasp this concept; his aversion to humor and attempts to retaliate against comedians threaten our democratic principles. Ultimately, when leaders cannot absorb humor, they also struggle with constructive criticism, imperiling our freedom.