In principle, the president of the United States speaks for the whole nation, especially on foreign affairs. But in this era of deep political divisions, it may be rare that most Americans think a president is talking their language.
That could be even more true at a time when some protesters and social media users and celebrities go so far as at to declare that Trump is “not my president.”
Who speaks for you in today’s politics?
That’s our Question of the Week for readers.
Is President Trump the political figure who says the things you want to hear, who talks the most sense, who has the best ideas?
Or, as other elected officials and thought leaders have gained prominence in the heated discussion of the new president, has someone else stepped up to give voice to what you’re thinking?
Is it one of the other officials of the Trump administration, one of the Republicans in Congress who stand with Trump against his critics, or one of the several Republicans who criticize Trump?
Is it one of those Trump critics? Here in California, we’re especially aware of Trump critics because we have so many Democratic officeholders. Gov. Jerry Brown and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti are among those vowing to fight Trump over policy differences. Representatives Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, through frequent appearances on TV, and Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, via anti-Trump blasts on Twitter, are becoming nationally known.
Do celebrities, like those at last weekend’s Grammy Awards, represent your views? Is it their place to us their star power to influence politics? Does any celebrity speak for you about news events?
In the increasingly fragmented news media, is there a commentator or columnist with whom you usually agree?
Is it easier or harder now to find a political figure or other opinion leader who shares your views? Do you find that listening to others’ views makes it easier or harder to make up your own mind?
Email your thoughts to opinion@langnews.com. Please include your full name and city or community of residence. Provide a daytime phone number. Or, if you prefer, share your views in the comments section that accompanies this article online.
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