Why Trump lost

Make no mistake about it, Donald Trump lost this election and the passion on both sides was either for or against Donald Trump. While many were hopeful of a blue Democratic wave, it didn’t happen. It looks likely that the Republicans will hold onto the Senate and gain House seats. And, although New Hampshire voted for Joe Biden, Republicans fared very well in other elections around the state. It is my belief that this election was less about whether Trump did a good job with his presidential policies and more about the style in which he carried off his duties.

This style leaves a list of “don’ts” for future presidents. These should have been no-brainers for virtually anyone elected to that office and had Trump avoided these things he probably would have been re-elected.

1. Don’t call the scientist idiots — and wear a mask.

2. Don’t make fun of people with disabilities.

3. Don’t disparage prisoners of war (this alone probably cost Trump Arizona).

4. Don’t stereotype people.

5. Don’t anger our allies. We need them.

6. Release your tax returns. Everybody else seeking that office seems to have no problem releasing theirs. It looks like you have something to hide.

7. Don’t trash all of your predecessors. It makes you look small.

8. Have an actual health care plan. (Trump had four years!)

9. Don’t call people names. Schools across the country teach students that this is bullying.

10. Clearly denounce white supremacists. (I know that when pressed on the issue Trump denounced them but it never seemed genuine.)

11. Don’t separate parents from their kids.

None of the above are hard to understand. Anyone else in the president’s position would have followed these. So many who were inclined to support many of Trump’s policies were turned off by actions like these. I believe that Trump could have still been that quirky commander in chief that so many seem to love and still not made so many of these obvious errors. Obviously, my advice is too late.

Fred Bramante is a past chairman and memtber of the New Hampshire State Board of Education. He speaks and consults on education redesign to regional, state and national organizations.

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