Amen

President George W. Bush said, “I think the president needs to be a role model.” President Barack Obama noted that, “When you’re president, you’re also setting a tone for the country.” Trump disagrees and behaves accordingly.

New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman asked Trump in 2016, “Do you believe that the president has a responsibility to be a role model for children?” Trump’s reply: “I don’t think so. I think I have to behave well… but I don’t think so.” As with so many things, Trump is wrong; dangerously wrong. Like it or not, the president is a role model. And as with so many things, as role models go, Trump sucks.

For example, Trump posted this on his misnamed social media platform, “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!” Really? That’s the tone he wants to set? That’s the example he provides to the public? Rejoice in the death of your perceived opponents? (Unless you’re besmirching a right-wing hero like Charlie Kirk—then you need to be fired and investigated).

What it comes down to is character—or lack thereof. Amen points out Trump’s unsuitability to be the Role Model in Chief from three somewhat disparate perspectives. There really is no other side here. Which explains why Fox News has not reported on the comment. Even the Administration’s propaganda arm can’t find a shred of humanity to defend here.

Which makes me wonder, do parents who are MAGA diehards hold up this president as a role model? If their children bully peers, do they applaud? If they’re bullied, do they encourage their kids to be more like Trump? (Which I guess would involve a surprise attack of some sort). My hope is they don’t; my fear is they do.

One final note on the strip itself: “maroon” is not a typo. It’s a Bugs Bunnyism and any excuse I have to use it I will. You’ve been warned.

sketchier