Changing Their Minds?: Donald Trump and Presidential Leadership

Presidents rarely succeed in persuading the public or Congress to change their minds and move from opposition to particular policies to support. Successful presidents recognize and skillfully exploit the opportunities already found in their political environments, but if they fail to understand their strategic positions, they are likely to overreach and experience political disaster. George C. Edwards III finds that President Trump has been constrained by his environment and was unable to exploit the opportunities he had, ultimately lessening his chances of success.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 376 pages
\n Publication date: 14 June 2021
\n Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
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Despite widespread assumptions, presidents seldom succeed in convincing the public or members of Congress to change their minds and support specific policies. Consequently, the White House lacks the ability to alter the political landscape and create opportunities for change. Successful presidents, on the other hand, recognize and skillfully exploit the opportunities already present in their political environments. Failure to understand their strategic positions can lead to overreaching and political disaster.

Donald Trump's presidency has raised unique questions about his ability to connect with the public and secure its support. Could someone with his extensive experience as a self-promoter succeed in the role of president? Could a president known for his negotiation skills gain the support of Congress to pass his legislative programs? Would the theory of presidential leadership need to be adjusted to accommodate a president with distinct persuasive skills?

George C. Edwards III, in his book "The Persuasive President: Leadership in the Age of Obama," addresses these questions by drawing on decades of research and utilizing extensive new data. He finds that President Trump, like other presidents, was constrained by his environment. He was unable to move the public or Congress, even for an experienced salesman and dealmaker. Presidential power, despite its allure, remains limited in its ability to persuade.

Edwards further reveals that President Trump was not able to exploit the opportunities he had. His rhetoric, communication, and approach to dealing with Congress ultimately hindered his chances of success. President Trump often found himself at odds with his own agendas, which ultimately contributed to his downfall.

In conclusion, while popular perceptions may suggest that presidents have the power to persuade and change minds, the reality is more complex. Successful presidents recognize and exploit the opportunities within their political environments, while those who fail to understand their strategic positions risk overreaching and experiencing political disaster. The case of President Trump highlights the limitations of presidential power and the importance of effective leadership in navigating the complex political landscape.

\n Weight: 734g\n
Dimension: 157 x 236 x 33 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780226775500\n \n