Over-Compensating?

Confidence Man by Maggie Haberman is an in-depth exploration of the personality and motivations surrounding the man who currently runs the United States of America. Haberman is a well-established journalist who interviewed more than 150 people closest to the president to gain insight into Donald Trump's mind. She is also a journalist whose main beat is the White House.

In Confidence Man, Haberman begins with Trump's family of origin and upbringing, then follows his trajectory through the 2016 election and the resulting insurrection in 2020. She also has a newly updated addendum regarding Trump securing his second term.

Haberman's research paints a clear picture of a man who has consistently manipulated the system. He has experienced multiple corporate bankruptcies and struggles economically. The author clearly points out that his success in any arena was largely due to his family's wealth, much more than his own abilities. He has also been quoted as understanding that if he can make his name alone a commodity, then that is his stepping stone to generational wealth, which I believe he has obtained, alongside a possibility of generational power, which I believe is dangerous.

Haberman has documented multiple incidents in Trump's business dealings that reveal the core of his personality. He likes to keep those working for him at odds with each other (polarization). He grew up with the internal struggle of not quite fitting in with old money wealth, while at the same time being desperate for it. He is conflict-avoidant, preferring to blame others for his shortcomings or mistakes. He is easily flattered and, therefore, easily manipulated, which Middle East leaders in particular picked up on, all wrapped in an impulsive approach to most matters.

The picture she reveals should give most people pause on how and why this type of person is running our country. While I personally believe that most of the people I know who voted for him want the same things that I do, an affordable life for myself and my family, I strongly believe a Trump presidency will not be the way to achieve that. Not only is he now tied to Project 2025, a project that clearly outlines how to privatize institutions, deregulate safety, and cut taxes for the wealthy. All things that will ultimately cost ordinary citizens by limiting access to social programs, increasing the wealth gap, and decreasing safeguards. He, in general, has shown he has zero concern for the ordinary citizen; he wants to sit alongside the billionaire class, and he will destroy our economy, our healthcare system, our education, and our environment to do so.

For anyone who still supports this administration, this should be required reading so you are informed exactly what you are standing with.