“The Speech I’d Like to Hear”

I tuned into Donald Trump’s ramblings this week. It was a peculiar form of self-abuse. I’m old enough to know better, but I couldn’t help myself.

I realized this morning that Mr. Trump makes me want to defend the term “speech.” I know a speech when I hear one, and the self-preening noise he makes doesn’t qualify. A speech requires more internal cohesion than a tossed salad. His meanderings fail the test.

The problem, I think, is that this man is more buffoon than president. He makes dishonest claims and incoherent arguments. “He’s a liar,” says his sister, the judge. “A cheat,” “an unprincipled phony.” His family knows the man. So do hundreds of military leaders and honored American diplomats who’ve fled him and his Party. Me too, once a Republican. “He lies,” says Colin Powell. An accumulation of lies does not a speech make.

Defending the word “speech” is child’s play compared to defending the word “President.” We expect our President to speak the truth. We want to believe that he knows the truth, loves the truth and tells the truth. This imposter isn’t aware that there is truth. He believes that if you make a claim loudly enough, often enough, with enough sneer and slur, it will take the place of truth. This is our president?

Some of his lies are distortions of language. He loves to claim “border security” as justification for what is plainly child abuse: 6-year-olds in cages, brutality that shames us all. This isn’t “security.” This is torture and should, as local lawmaker Jose Rodriguez has said, “be condemned by anyone who has a moral sense of responsibility.” Yes, that’s all it takes.

“My father has responded to the COVID pandemic with speed and brilliance,” says Donald Trump Jr. This would be true only if “speed” means moving at the pace of a drunken slug, and “brilliance” means 180,000 deaths is, to quote Junior, a “tremendous success”?

I believe in redemption. I think anyone can change. I’d be the first to salute Donald Trump and honor his presidency if he, just once, gave a truthful speech. It needs to be both, truthful and a speech. It needs to come from his soul. And it needs these three simple points on which he may elaborate at length:

First, “I’m deeply sorry that I’ve lied to you, all of you, always. I’m sorry.” Show regret. Be penitent.

Second, “I’m humbled that nearly 45% of Americans believe my abysmal record as president justifies a second term. Knowing how little I deserve this, I’m humbled.” Humility, an amazing thought.

And, third, “I promise to respect the earth, honor the constitution, and tell the truth. Always.”

Give me these points — sorrow, humility, and respect — in a speech from the White House, and I’m on the verge of becoming a believer. Is this asking too much?