A portrait of Andrew Jackson graces the wall of President Trump’s office. Does Trump admire Jackson’s crop of hair? There is much more to Jackson.
Jackson was an American hero. Trump has entered the White House with the lowest approval rating in history, whereas Jackson evoked great positive sentiment. He was proof that a poor boy could become POTUS. His father died before he was born, and his mother died in his teens. He proved that talent, grit and honor can make up for the most humble beginnings.
Honor was crucial for Jackson. He was a thorough gentleman around women. He might have only disdain for Trump. He considered his deceased mother a saint and his wife an angel. Had Trump been part of Jackson’s circle, Jackson likely would have run him out of town after a thorough caning.
Trump has held no public office nor demonstrated a commitment to public service. Jackson spent most of his life in service to Tennessee. He was a circuit judge and served in the U.S. House and Senate. He was acclaimed as second only to George Washington.
Jackson won 56 percent of the popular vote when elected in 1828. Trump won 46 percent in 2016 — two points less than Hillary Clinton. Jackson’s inauguration drew the largest such gathering in American history until then. His speech was modest. “I shall keep steadily in view the limitations as well as the extent of the executive power.” Then he held a reception at the White House for all.
Trump has cast himself as indispensable. He described a broken system in his acceptance speech at the convention and declared, “I, alone can fix it.” There is little in his career to suggest that he has know-how. No corporate head — probably not Trump himself, for his own firm — would think of hiring someone with as little relevant experience that Trump brought to the presidency.
Jackson truly was indispensable, ready for any crisis. In the name of the people, he took on the Bank of the U.S. Will Trump do the same? His billion dollar cabinet signals the opposite.
Jackson secured the future of democracy in America. Pre-Jackson presidents were 18th century elitists who anointed their successors. Jefferson chose Madison, Madison Monroe, and Monroe John Quincy Adams. Jackson became president after the states abandoned property requirements for voting, a huge step forward from 18th century elitism.
Trump has not championed democracy. Before the election, he prepared for defeat by predicting the election was rigged. After winning, he insists there was massive voting fraud. He believes he has a monopoly on truth. If he repeats a debunked allegation enough times, it will be accepted as truth. From the beginning, he based his campaign on asserting that Barack Obama was not born in the U.S.
Will Trump be the vindicator of democracy or the agent of its demise?
C. F. Baumgartner
Mercer Island
