In a rally in Arizona, President Trump criticized Arizona’s two (Republican) Senators obliquely but unmistakably.  Everyone – both those present and those following in the media – knew what and who he was talking about.  And then he said:

“But, you know, they all said, Mr. President, your speech was so good last night, please, please, Mr. President don’t mention any names. So I won’t. I won’t. No I won’t vote — one vote away, I will not mention any names. Very presidential, isn’t’ it? Very presidential.”

 

I’m sorry – but that’s not how being Presidential works.  If you have to say “look at me, I’m being Presidential”, it’s a safe bet that you’re not, any more than a toddler saying “I’m a BIG boy now” makes him one.

Being presidential means being the leader of the whole country, not just pandering to your base.  Being Presidential means taking the high road – the highest you can find – rather than wallowing in the muck with the bigots and haters.  Being presidential means holding the office of the President of the United States as an honor and a duty to serve, and not as a vehicle for self-aggrandizement.

Here’s what being Presidential might have sounded like:

Sen. McCain and I have our differences on health care.  But he took a principled stand to serve the American people as he thought best.  It was a courageous act on his part, and I respect him for that – and I look forward to working with him and all Congressmen and Senators – on both sides of the aisle – to provide America with the best health care system in the world.”

Of course, Mr. Trump said no such thing.  He seems to be incapable of saying any such thing.

 

Mr. Trump, you are many things.  But Presidential is not one of them.