Larry D. Lauer

Now that the election is over pundits are pointing out that what was said during the campaign will fade away to the background. They explain that from the very beginning name calling was common and false accusations were always made. Campaigning was one thing. Governing was something else.

In today’s digital world, however, language powerfully defines one’s character. And strong images of questionable character linger for long periods of time. Now that the president-elect is taking his reality show campaign act out on a victory tour, that same gross and crude character will be recalled and indelibly stamped into too many heads… much the same as compelling song lyrics linger there for years.

What’s more, how does someone like this with an unbridled, irreverent, and mean-spirited bent  function as a legitimate and effective leader of the free world?  How does such a person pull allies together and inspire them to do wonderful and bold things just because they are noble and right? Truly, how in the world can ethical republicans rally around such a nightly “tweeter” of untrustworthy rhetoric?

The basic founders’ idea of a free, democratic, and equally just America constitutes a brand identity that is admired around the world. It is all about trust, reliability, and authenticity. And the bearer of that message must be just as authentic. What he says will either reinforce this promise, or it will cancel it out.

Political parties in the future must require a much higher level of decorum and rhetoric from any candidate they endorse. We simply must protect the integrity of the American brand, and continue our hard-earned right to lead the free world. Yes, Mr. Trump your words really do matter.