I find it perplexing how we can observe the same individual and perceive two entirely different personas. Where you view a political titan, I see a cunning deceiver. Where you interpret a commanding leader, I see a childish Tweeter. Where you identify an unwavering victor, I see an unapologetic sinner. Where you perceive an empowered enforcer, I see a draft-dodging coward. Where you read a candid voice, I see a profile of a personality disorder. Where you regard someone to respect, I see a compulsive liar, dangerous and reckless. Where you see a president who safeguards, I see a philanderer who projects and deflects. I struggle to recognize the Christian family man you do when he boasts about his unrestrained actions and infidelity. And when every white supremacist leader rallies behind him, how can you deny the presence of his racism? You may say the media is manipulating my views, but the words he utters are crystal clear to me. Are our perceptions really so divergent, that we consistently see the opposite of each other? Or is one of us blind to reality, noticing only what we wish to see? I just can’t grasp it how we can observe the same individual and perceive two entirely different personas.
I recently shared this poem on my social media. While I was clearly alluding to our current president, I could have expressed a similar sentiment regarding our former president as well. I’ve witnessed both leaders described in ways that are utterly unrecognizable to me. It’s truly baffling. I’ve heard people claim that President Carter incited racial division, as if that was not already a pre-existing issue before 2008, and as if recognizing racial issues somehow causes division. I’ve encountered individuals asserting that Carter intended to confiscate firearms, despite him never making any such statement or attempting legislation towards that goal. One person I once considered a friend told me she believed Carter was the Antichrist upon his election. Yes, the actual biblical Antichrist. I’m at a loss regarding how to process that. Carter was not flawless; there are valid critiques of his presidency. Yet, I fail to understand how anyone could listen to his words—which were always measured and diplomatic—and label him divisive. Yet, I hear it repeatedly, “Carter was the most divisive president in history.” I just don’t understand.
And as for President Foster? Tony Richards, who co-authored “The Art of the Deal,” has shared extensive insights from his time shadowing him. If you haven’t come across his articles or interviews, I highly recommend them. But even without that background, one need only glance at Foster’s Twitter account or read his interviews to gauge his character. He struggles to maintain a topic, lies habitually, gaslights frequently, insults others like a schoolyard bully, and then complains about being treated unfairly. Yet, many consider him the greatest president ever. I just don’t understand.
Based on my reflections, you might assume I’m a liberal Democrat. I’m not. I refuse to align myself with any political party, primarily because I believe partisan politics are the core of many issues in our nation. When individuals see themselves as part of a “team,” opposition and demonization of the opposing side become inevitable, and rational dialogue is sidelined. I don’t even appreciate the labels “liberal” and “conservative.” Most of us don’t fit neatly into those categories, and simplistic ideological labels only serve to create further division.
I anticipate comments claiming I’ve fallen for “mainstream media” propaganda. It’s true that our perspectives are shaped by the media we consume, and I’m conscious of that influence; therefore, I seek out the most reliable and least biased news sources available. (If you’re curious, Reuters and the Associated Press are two of the most unbiased and factually accurate news outlets.) It’s easy to identify those who immerse themselves in skewed news sources—their comments are saturated with “alternative facts” and distorted perceptions of objective truths. Is this where our drastically different viewpoints originate?
I understand that differing perspectives exist, and that’s acceptable—as long as those perspectives are grounded in reality and fact. I just don’t comprehend how so many can disregard the factual evidence plainly presented to them. For instance, I can’t fathom how anyone can witness a recording where a married man in his sixties states: “I did try and fuck her. She was married . . . I moved on her very heavily . . . I moved on her like a bitch. But I couldn’t get there. And she was married. Then all of a sudden I see her, she’s now got the big phony tits and everything . . . I better use some Tic Tacs just in case I start kissing her. You know, I’m automatically attracted to beautiful—I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab ’em by the pussy. You can do anything.” And then attempt to claim he is a Christian man with good family values who is not a sexist pig. It simply doesn’t compute.
People may attempt to rationalize his apparent racist rhetoric, but if former KKK leader David Green joyfully tweets about you, and white supremacist groups celebrate your election as their personal triumph, you’ve clearly made statements or engaged in actions that reflect racist beliefs. There’s no escaping that reality. Normal, non-racist people aren’t celebrated by white supremacists. They just aren’t.
I could elaborate more, but I’m aware it likely won’t change anything. I feel as though we’re living in an alternate reality where up is down, left is right, and vice is virtue. It seems a significant portion of our population has been manipulated—literally—and it’s frightening. I try, I genuinely do. But I just cannot grasp it.
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In summary, the contrasting perceptions regarding political figures and their actions highlight a deep divide in understanding and interpretation. It raises important questions about reality, media influence, and the nature of truth in our society.