Perspective from the 19^th Hole is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf.  Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon (Les AuCoin), as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist.  This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.  I could have called this blog “Middle Ground,” for that is what I long for in both politics and golf.  The middle ground is often where the best public policy decisions lie.  And it is where you want to be on a golf course.

As I choke on the reality of Donald Trump as president, I often have thought about what he doesn’t do, can’t do, or isn’t able to do.

For this, I used the prism of my work for high elected officials or private executives over my 40 years in professional life, both for state government in Oregon and as a lobbyist.

Trump is a singular, mercurial individual who appears not to take advice from anyone because, as the epitome of the narcissist he is, he always knows best.

So, here is my list of what Trump doesn’t do, can’t do, or isn’t able to do:

• Take advice from anyone

• Admit that he might have made a mistake

• Read any set of talking points prepared by a staff member

• Read any briefing papers on the state of world affairs

• Deliver a speech as it is written for him – he always digresses into whims and caprice to elevate his own worth over all else

• Tell the truth

The trouble, of course, is that all of us in the United States of America need a president who functions like a regular human being, with strengths and weaknesses.  And, admitting failure when it occurs is a key credential in the ability to lead the free world.

I still remember the book George Bush wrote after his presidency, Decision Points, in which he touted his successes and admitted his failures.  The latter is a strength.

To perform well, a president must surround himself with quality individuals, both on his personal staff and in Cabinet positions.  And then listen to them before deciding what actions to take or not to take.

Trump fails on all accounts.

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And this footnote:  Why do I write so often about Trump through my blog?

Well, at least two reasons:

• It feels good for me to call out Trump.  And I don’t much care if anyone pays much attention to what I write.  It is good for my soul.

• It is important for all of us as Americans to find a way to criticize Trump, given how much damage he has done, is doing, and will do to this country.  So, I want to add my voice to so many others.

The question is whether America can survive two more years of his “reign,” which he what he calls it because, of course, he is king in his own mind.