Before the world knew him as the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, then a 34-year-old businessman, was asked a question that seemed to foreshadow his future: “Would you like to be the President of the United States?” His response, given during an interview that has recently resurfaced, offers a glimpse into the mindset of a man who would later take on the role he seemed reluctant to pursue.
“I really don’t believe I would,” Trump responded, a sentiment that now seems ironic as he prepares to run for a second term on the Republican ticket. However, he didn’t dismiss the importance of the role. “I would like to see somebody as President who could do the job, and there are very capable people in this country,” he added, hinting at his desire for strong leadership, even if he didn’t envision himself in that position.
The interviewer pushed further, noting that most capable men were avoiding politics, fearing the demands and scrutiny that come with it. Trump agreed, expressing concern over the caliber of individuals seeking office. “The most capable people are not necessarily running for political office, and that is a very sad commentary on the country,” he said. He pointed out that while these individuals might excel in leading major corporations, they often shy away from the political arena.
“I really don’t believe I would,” Trump responded, a sentiment that now seems ironic as he prepares to run for a second term on the Republican ticket. However, he didn’t dismiss the importance of the role. “I would like to see somebody as President who could do the job, and there are very capable people in this country,” he added, hinting at his desire for strong leadership, even if he didn’t envision himself in that position.
The interviewer pushed further, noting that most capable men were avoiding politics, fearing the demands and scrutiny that come with it. Trump agreed, expressing concern over the caliber of individuals seeking office. “The most capable people are not necessarily running for political office, and that is a very sad commentary on the country,” he said. He pointed out that while these individuals might excel in leading major corporations, they often shy away from the political arena.
When asked why he wouldn’t consider running for office himself, Trump’s response was, “Because I think it’s a very mean life. I would love and I would dedicate my life to this country, but I see it as being a mean life,” he said.
Trump recognised the harsh realities of politics, acknowledging that strong views, especially those that might be unpopular but correct, could hinder one’s chances of success. “Somebody with no great brain but a big smile” might stand a better chance of getting elected, he noted, highlighting what he saw as the superficial nature of the political process.
Now, decades later, Trump is set to face off against Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris in a bid for a second term.