Crises reveal leaders’ true character. Think British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during World War II: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.” Now think President Donald Trump during the COVID-19 crisis, asked how long it will last: “Some of the doctors say it will wash through, it will flow through.” Virtually no medical experts agreed with that view.
To be fair, we want leaders to reassure us, preventing panic. But Moderates also demand they tell us the TRUTH. If our president is NOT telling us the truth, he is either: Uninformed or misinformed. OR Informed – and lying to us. Either is dangerous. The first, because it leads to bad decisions. The second, because it begs the question: what else is he willing to lie about? We all need to decide – in times of crisis, do we want a SALESMAN or a STATESMAN to lead us?
Modern Moderates have an urgent request for politicians, hacks, and talking heads on all sides: for the good of our country, put up or shut up. If you can’t back up what you’re saying with facts and fairness – PLEASE SHUT UP.