by Eugene Lang
The Globe and Mail
June 20, 2018
All politicians have big egos. Some are self-absorbed. A few are narcissists. Occasionally we run into a sociopath. And then there is Donald Trump.
Exhibiting less humility and more hubris than many authoritarian dictators, Mr. Trump is in a category of his own among leaders of democracies.
Paul Begala once said, “politics is show business for ugly people.” Bob Rae has written that politics is a contact sport. One might add that the players in this game wear very little protective gear. The big ego, therefore, is as necessary to success in politics as it is in show business and pro sports. Ego is the politician’s essential defence when he or she enters what Richard Nixon called “the arena.” It’s the helmet for the legislator. The jock for the depute.
Be the first to comment
Sign in with