President Trump and his style as POTUS

DISCLAIMER: I didn't vote for the man, but he is our duly elected president. Therefore, I respect the office enough to put aside personal opinions and political dogmas to view actions over words. Some of his actions are good, some bad. No president since I have been alive has never done anything 100% correct, and I am sure never will.

The issue here is to discuss the style of this president in his position as POTUS. This is not intended as a thread to use personal opinions and attack upon Donald Trump, the man. I would like to keep it focused upon Donald Trump the president and his unique style in this role compared to previous presidents in the recent few decades.

Fact: He is not a career politician
Fact: He is a business man (regardless of the business being real estate or entertainment industry)
Fact: He has never held any previously elected political office
Fact: He speak his mind, with very little politically correct filter

So, as for his personal style, I see not much difference so far in his presidency from his own published "Art of the Deal" winning negotiation tactics. This article does a good job of outlining 11 of these below that I have personally seen in action while he has been POTUS.

1. Think big
"I like thinking big. I always have. To me it's very simple: if you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big."
2. Protect the downside and the upside will take care of itself
"I always go into the deal anticipating the worst. If you plan for the worst--if you can live with the worst--the good will always take care of itself."
3. Maximize the options
"I never get too attached to one deal or one approach...I keep a lot of balls in the air, because most deals fall out, no matter how promising they seem at first."
4. Know your market
"I like to think that I have that instinct. That's why I don't hire a lot of number-crunchers, and I don't trust fancy marketing surveys. I do my own surveys and draw my own conclusions."
5. Use your leverage
"The worst thing you can possibly do in a deal is seem desperate to make it. That makes the other guy smell blood, and then you're dead."
6. Enhance your location
"Perhaps the most misunderstood concept in all of real estate is that the key to success is location, location, location...First of all, you don't necessarily need the best location. What you need is the best deal."
7. Get the word out
"One thing I've learned about the press is that they're always hungry for a good story, and the more sensational the better...The point is that if you are a little different, a little outrageous, or if you do things that are bold or controversial, the press is going to write about you."
8. Fight back
"In most cases I'm very easy to get along with. I'm very good to people who are good to me. But when people treat me badly or unfairly or try to take advantage of me, my general attitude, all my life, has been to fight back very hard."
9. Deliver the goods
"You can't con people, at least not for long. You can create excitement, you can do wonderful promotion and get all kinds of press, and you can throw in a little hyperbole. But if you don't deliver the goods, people will eventually catch on."
10. Contain the costs
"I believe in spending what you have to. But I also believe in not spending more than you should."
11. Have fun
"Money was never a big motivation for me, except as a way to keep score. The real excitement is playing the game."

Source: 11 Winning Negotiation Tactics From Donald Trump's 'The Art of the Deal'

Now in viewing these tactics, as they apply to the role of POTUS, I am not saying they are good or bad. I'm sure some are both, depending upon your own biases (which I have as well). I have seen several of these tactics used, that I have not seen for decades by anyone in this position. As I see it, he was elected because he was an outsider, not a career politician, and did have a well known business acumen.

So ATS, let's have some examples, hard examples and not baseless opinions, for these tactics, and how has their use been as a result. Let's try to determine which ones actually might be beneficial to keep doing going forward if the results are positive for the country.

Specifically, I have seen examples of 3, 5, 6,7, 8, and a little of 10.
3. Maximize the options: I have seen that he is not afraid to walk away from a deal (new or old) that he does not see as a good deal for the country. The Paris Agreement, many of our trade deals, and even the recent NK summit could be one of these as well.

I think it takes a certain mindset to actually back away, and not stick to something that may have taken a long time and lots of effort to get to. However, it all that effort results in something that will ultimately not be beneficial, then going along with it just to "save face" or to salvage effort is IMO, a bad thing. It should be something you are willing to show you are open to walking away, as it demonstrates to the other party you really have no interest in getting nothing from any deal. Having mutually beneficial outcomes should be the expected outcome. Anything less is showing weakness in a business deal. This is a character trait I think is helpful in the political spectrum these days to keep negotiations on a level playing field. I am sick of the tit-for-tat political back slapping and payola that happens so regularly at my expense as a taxpayer.
time for sensible negotiations I say.

5. Use your leverage: This is often displayed by him as POTUS in the dealings listed above. If we continue to attempt to negotiate from a place of weakness or without any perceived advantage, then that is a clear sign to the other parties that they can hold out for more or simply disregard the terms of the deal afterwards. This is definitely something we have seen in the past few administrations regarding NK.

6. Enhance your location: This refers to getting the best deal. Pretty much not much more to say that I have already as it relates to another aspect of the above statements.

7. Get the word out: One word here...... TWITTER. This is his mainstay of getting the word out. It is obvious to anyone that already knows these tactics that. "The point is that if you are a little different, a little outrageous, or if you do things that are bold or controversial, the press is going to write about you." is taking place right now constantly. Good or bad, it is keeping people taking about him. IMO, he could use a bit more restraint here, as in the position of POTUS, unlike in a business, one word can make a difference globally to millions of people. Do I think he should stop, heck no. Just get a bit more professional in the tone, and less personal in his tweets.

8. Fight back: Again, TWITTER combined with official statements through other channels. This, I feel he needs to reign in tremendously. As POTUS, he not only represents himself, but me as a citizen. I think more professional attitude publicly at least, is warranted and I encourage it of my POTUS. However, in negotiations and making deals, this is a key positive trait.....fight back.

10. Contain the costs: Some of the renegotiation on Air Force One costs...I'm sure there are others I am unaware of now.

I hate the notion of politically correct. It sucks. Stick it in your pipe and smoke it.

I see elements of all 11 of those in how this President operates. I also want to commend you and a well written, supported and balanced OP. It is something rare to see in today’s polarized world. Kudos to you.

a reply to: Krakatoa
When Kim was publicly flirting with the idea of not going to the summit, Donald cancelled it. An example of 5? "I don't need this meeting as badly as you do. Stop bluffing."

originally posted by: DISRAELI
a reply to: Krakatoa
When Kim was publicly flirting with the idea of not going to the summit, Donald cancelled it. An example of 5? "I don't need this meeting as badly as you do. Stop bluffing."

Yes, I saw that too. And, it got NK back to the table, now didn't it? What many fail to realize is that a negotiation is not a single event affair. It is a series of offensive and defensive moves. This is not checkers, this is fencing.

a reply to: Krakatoa

I would like to keep it focused upon Donald Trump the president and his unique style in this role compared to previous presidents in the recent few decades.

OK.

I respect the office enough to put aside personal opinions and political dogmas to view actions over words.

I wish he would too. It's that simple. Everything else just falls into this one category.

originally posted by: intrepid
a reply to: Krakatoa

I would like to keep it focused upon Donald Trump the president and his unique style in this role compared to previous presidents in the recent few decades.

OK.

I respect the office enough to put aside personal opinions and political dogmas to view actions over words.

I wish he would too. It's that simple. Everything else just falls into this one category.

Which, if you read through the entire OP, you would see I agree with you about him needing to reign in his personal responses. However, if his family is attacked, then I would not fault him for taking it personally and responding in kind.

So, do you have any other observations in regards to the 11 tactics mentioned? Good, bad, recommendations for staying the course or changing?

I am interested in all discussion points here.....really.

a reply to: Krakatoa

My favorite would probably be number four--unlike previous presidents who needed to or just wanted to rely on a multitude of "advisors" and "experts" about things, Trump doesn't seem to generally do that.

That's not to say that he's afraid or unwilling to do it when necessary, but for the most part, he is confident in his ability to form educated opinions or conclusions on his own through research.

I absolutely respect that approach, because that tends to be mine, although on a much smaller scale, of course.

Without needing to rely on other peoples' understandings and interpretations of things, you create a better understanding of the issues, but also, you must carry the burden of culpability when you're wrong, too. I see that as a form of integrity (which I know will get a lot of snickering from certain people on here, the idea that Trump and "integrity" can go hand in hand...those are the types of people who would need advisors).

a reply to: Krakatoa

Do what you're going to do, everything on your list, but do it with the class that the position should require.

originally posted by: intrepid
a reply to: Krakatoa

Do what you're going to do, everything on your list, but do it with the class that the position should require.

Fair enough, that makes sense. Thanks for your input.



ETA: As long as it does not devolve in politically correct speech. That, IMO, does more of a disservice to the position than being openly honest.

originally posted by: intrepid
a reply to: Krakatoa

I would like to keep it focused upon Donald Trump the president and his unique style in this role compared to previous presidents in the recent few decades.

OK.

I respect the office enough to put aside personal opinions and political dogmas to view actions over words.

I wish he would too. It's that simple. Everything else just falls into this one category.

BWAAHAHAHAHABABAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

originally posted by: Metallicus
I see elements of all 11 of those in how this President operates. I also want to commend you and a well written, supported and balanced OP. It is something rare to see in today’s polarized world. Kudos to you.

I agree. Great job Krakatoa. Those who watched the entire set of statements from President Trump last night could sense that this is a warm, compassionate human being, who genuinely wants what's best for the millions of families in that region.

No under-the-table deals to enrich himself or his friends. No brown-nosing for a tainted Nobel Peace award. No bribing of North Korea (or anyone else) just to be able to sign a document.

Donald Trump the President and Donald Trump the Person are both spectacular.

a reply to: Krakatoa

I like the assessment. The only place where I part ways is his use of Twitter. I hold that is the man using Twitter, not the President. He has the same right to vent as any of us.

It is obvious, at least to me, that what he tweets and it's general tone is far different than his demeanor as President. Partially you cover it as well, re. the making statements that get media coverage. If one doesn't like the normal channels, and he has no reason to like them, then I'm more in favor of his tweets than down on them. If I had my druthers, I get Trump to tweet much earlier than the wee hours where tiredness becomes a factor. Other than that, I see most of the OP as obvious and I also believe so do his supporters....and many of his adversaries, as well...

originally posted by: intrepid
a reply to: Krakatoa

Do what you're going to do, everything on your list, but do it with the class that the position should require.

Class? Might you mean veneer? I find it refreshing. Honest, down to earth, vent. A human connection with the common souls.

The day it's gone, if that day comes, I will then be worried he's become/morphed into what so many detest. Just another politician. JMO, though.

originally posted by: nwtrucker

originally posted by: intrepid
a reply to: Krakatoa

Do what you're going to do, everything on your list, but do it with the class that the position should require.

Class? Might you mean veneer? I find it refreshing. Honest, down to earth, vent. A human connection with the common souls.

The day it's gone, if that day comes, I will then be worried he's become/morphed into what so many detest. Just another politician. JMO, though.

I agree. However, I don;t see it as all or nothing. I see the chance to simply reign it in a bit, by removing the personal attacks. I still want him to speak his mind on issues and in negotiations. But, personal vendetta attacks I could do without. As I said, unless it is against his family (not him personally), then the gloves come off to defend family.

originally posted by: carewemust

originally posted by: Metallicus
I see elements of all 11 of those in how this President operates. I also want to commend you and a well written, supported and balanced OP. It is something rare to see in today’s polarized world. Kudos to you.

I agree. Great job Krakatoa. Those who watched the entire set of statements from President Trump last night could sense that this is a warm, compassionate human being, who genuinely wants what's best for the millions of families in that region.

No under-the-table deals to enrich himself or his friends. No brown-nosing for a tainted Nobel Peace award. No bribing of North Korea (or anyone else) just to be able to sign a document.

Donald Trump the President and Donald Trump the Person are both spectacular.

One of the most impressive things I've seen over the last few days is three Press Conferences without a single teleprompter.

Donald Trump is not the TOTUS, He is the POTUS.

NO TELEPROMPTERS!!

I didn't think that was possible in the 21st Century after Obama.

a reply to: Krakatoa

Amazing thread bro and not because Trump.

Amazing thread because you've linked Trump's "Art of the Deal" to his presidential strategy and it really does seem to be working.

As POTUS he is holding the cards and he knows it.

My biggest fear is that when something seems too good to be true... 👀🚬

originally posted by: Wide-Eyes

originally posted by: carewemust

originally posted by: Metallicus
I see elements of all 11 of those in how this President operates. I also want to commend you and a well written, supported and balanced OP. It is something rare to see in today’s polarized world. Kudos to you.

I agree. Great job Krakatoa. Those who watched the entire set of statements from President Trump last night could sense that this is a warm, compassionate human being, who genuinely wants what's best for the millions of families in that region.

No under-the-table deals to enrich himself or his friends. No brown-nosing for a tainted Nobel Peace award. No bribing of North Korea (or anyone else) just to be able to sign a document.

Donald Trump the President and Donald Trump the Person are both spectacular.

One of the most impressive things I've seen over the last few days is three Press Conferences without a single teleprompter.

Donald Trump is not the TOTUS, He is the POTUS.

NO TELEPROMPTERS!!

I didn't think that was possible in the 21st Century after Obama.

I see that as demonstrating numbers 4 & 11. He is confident enough on his own to speak without the spin doctors changing his message using language. That is and can be a double-edged sword. But, is refreshing to see in that position. And, I also think he is having fun in doing that, knowing that they cannot overrule him and force him into their cookie cutter mold.

It is, and will be, interesting time ahead I am sure.