The president’s job is to manage risk. But Trump is the risk.

he sure can't manage himself.

I have an opinion, and it's simple: Trump is despised/loved for the same reasons Obama was despised/loved... both reflect stereotypes that very likely do not represent the men themselves. I believe it is also true that the defenders of each, fail to see which stereotype their opponents are truly attacking. During Obama's administration, those of us who opposed him were painted as racists, bigots, and enemies of the poor. During Trump's administration, his opponents have been painted as communists, radical progressives, and traitors to national sovereignty. None of which truly gets to the heart of what divides us.

The truth, as I see it... is that the "stereotype" people opposed in Obama wasn't that he was African-American, but that he seemed "anti-American". Likewise, what people hate about Trump isn't that he is white, rich, and uncouth... but that he seems an agent of the forces they believe are inhibiting further human socio-economic "progress". To me, this paints the debate in a very different light: We're watching a struggle between two powerful ideologies... one that wants to continue to cherish and build off the past, and another which wishes to reject the past, and embrace the future. Both often seem willing to do so at any cost.

In this battle for moral superiority, both "sides" engage in rhetorical exercises which only confuse the issue, and detract from any actual resolution or hegemony. Trump is a very far cry from the "son of humble immigrants risen on wings of capitalist freedom"...and Obama is less the "enlightened star of equality and fairness" many would portray him as. Both are powerful men who achieved their office by the combined influences of financial power, and successful political strategy spanning decades. Both offered much that was unreasonable to deliver. Compared to the average American... they have much more in common than anyone mesmerized by their "cults of personality", and desperate for a "champion" would like to admit.

The real question here isn't about who sits in the White House; that changes every four to eight years... this "cold war" of ideas has been going on for a great deal longer than that. It's a question that gave birth to this country, nearly tore it in half once, and works to reshape its destiny today. It's the same conflict of ideology that separates families, and destroys friendships.

What is "right", what is "wrong"... and who gets to define either.

Is it "wrong" to ignore the suffering of the poor? Yes... as it is also wrong to slaughter thousands of unborn children merely for the sake of convenience. Is it "wrong" to hate someone because their skin is a different color or they speak a different language? Absolutely...but it's also wrong to resent someone merely because they've been more fortunate. Is it immoral to destroy the natural beauty and balance of the planet? I believe it is... but I also believe that our collective debauchery, perversion, and fascination with darkness is a greater overall threat to our vitality.

Which public figure, politician, or party holistically embraces all of one or the other? The answer is that there isn't one. Therefore, it comes down to which "evils" we are willing to live with, and which we are not.