Trump’s bombastic rhetoric may have won the election against incredible odds, and this sort of energy may be needed to claw back the administrative state in a meaningful way, but governing requires a shift in style if not substance.
His excellent cabinet choices indicate he is capable of making that shift, but his retention of campaign personalities in policy positions do not. Hopefully he will follow the lead of most of the cabinet officials and tame the rhetoric which is taken far more serious in office than on the campaign trail.
One can ask the members of NATO to pay their fair share without calling the organization obsolete and rejecting its success and wisdom.
One can articulate the need for controlling immigration and upholding its law without humiliating a valuable neighbor and trade partner.
One can hold media accountable without insulting them, bullying them, or creating alternate facts.
The harsh rhetoric which served him well to get in office, may serve him less so in office if it alienates necessary support. He benefits from the hyperbole from the #resistance which alienate the middle even more.
There are many who want to support him. This would be easier if he would acknowledge that the campaign is over.
He won.
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