When it comes to the Trump Administration, there is so much to categorize: the myriad cruelties of its policies, the stench of corruption, and the complacency in the face of so many serious challenges facing our nation. But another thought emerges. This White House and its allies in Congress fail even the most basic standards of competence.
We have thousands of children separated from their parents. Do we think that this government is competent enough to reunite them with deliberate speed? The entire tragedy of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of hurricanes screams incompetence. The brewing trade wars. The devolving relationships with our allies. There are many reasons to look at these crises and a lot of others and see malevolence combined with a cynical political calculus. A lot of that is there to be sure. But I also think that this White House, from the top down, is more chaotic and reckless than any I have seen. They do not understand the mechanics of government and those traits are synonyms for incompetence.
Ultimately I think that most Americans want their government to be competent. And at all levels – local, state, and federal – I have seen leaders fall for their incompetence. Sometimes it takes a while for that narrative to sink in. But when it does, it often is an anchor around the political fortunes of those who fail in this regard.