LinkedIn on Monday, May 19, 2026

I have a new rule that determines for whom I would be willing to vote to be President of the United States.  To qualify for my vote, the candidate – male or female, it doesn’t matter, but let’s assume it’s a male for the sake of discussion – would have to be someone whom I would be want to date my daughter.

Mind you, my daughter can take care of herself, but let’s assume that, for whatever reason, she’s in trouble.  The candidate shows up at our house to take her out to dinner and a movie only to find that the house is on fire and my daughter is down and on the verge of succumbing to smoke that’s all around her.

The question is, what does the candidate, her boyfriend do?  Does he recognize the seriousness of the situation?  Does he call for help?  Does he, without forethought or hesitation, spring into action to save her?  Or does he do nothing that would risk his own life or candidacy which are his highest priorities?  I mean, he thinks to himself, my daughter is a wonderful person, but wonderful people are a dime a dozen.

My point is, of all the attributes my daughter might find in a prospective mate, the one I think I value most empathy.  Does he care for her.  I understand that, given a choice between rescuing my daughter and the family next door whose home is also on fire, he might, regrettably, but understandably, choose the latter.  Life is full of good decisions that have unfortunate collateral effects.  At least he demonstrated empathy in the act of saving the most lives he could.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, …

-Les