OPINION: U. S. Presidents and Cultural Amnesia
OPINION: U.S. Presidents and Cultural Amnesia
By Trevor K. McNeil
Uncertain Legacy
We are all judged by our actions, intention meaning little in terms of social discourse. Rightly or wrongly, the measure of a life tends to be in what is done and not what it means. Presidents are no different. Where then, will Trump end up on the scale of U.S. political importance? Currently, the pathetic and deposed Caesar, is hiding out in one of his private properties. It is reasonable to believe that things are very much over for Trump, in terms of ever holding political office again, though not in terms of his political legacy.
A Year Is A Long-TIme
With all the time and concern dedicated to politics, it can be easy to forget how fleeting it all is. The cardinal issues of today, tomorrow’s old news, particularly with a two term limit. The old administration forgotten almost as soon as the new one is sworn in. Much as how things go from wartime to post-war before the ink is dry on the peace treaty. This can make the facts, at least the facts of the time, difficult to come by, except possibly for those who remember it. Though even that can be hit and miss, since all memories are formed by our own biases.
Smilin’ Jack
Now considered one of the best presidents, John F. Kennedy was not quite as popular as hindsight would have one believe. Generally popular early in his administration, he also had enemies on both sides of the aisle. Ones who gained in strength as time went on. It is not an exaggeration to say that the assassination saved his legacy. Had he had to run again, he might not have won and his reputation certainly would not have been as iron clad positive as it is now.
Shake Hands With the Devil
Another case of a reputation changing is that of Kennedy’s arch rival Richard M. Nixon. Certainly not beloved at the time of his administration, things weren’t quite as fraught as one might be led to believe. He wouldn’t have had two electoral victories were this the case. It is difficult to find examples of anyone defending him at the time, particularly in popular culture. The closest I’ve found was when, in 1996, infamous gonzo journalist and famous Nixon-hater Hunter S. Thompson said that Clinton was worse than Nixon. More a damnation of Clinton than praise of Nixon but a case of insight nonetheless.
Frost V. Nixon
The greatest example of the conflicting legacy of Nixon is his famous interview with David Frost, in which he spoke the infamous line: “If the president does it, it is not a crime.” Now viewed as Frost “getting” Nixon, at the time the interview was seen quite differently. Most viewers considering Nixon to have come out of it fairly well, and Frost badly. It wasn’t until later that this narrative reversed. Particularly as presented in the 2008 film Frost/Nixon.
War, What Is It Good For?
The greatest sticking point in Nixon’s administration was the Vietnam War. Though it needs to be noted that while he did end it, Nixon had nothing to do with it starting. The war had been going continuously since 1955. Eisenhower was the one who brought America into the war, and Kennedy and LBJ continued it, all before Nixon was in office.
Cultural Amnesia
Because of this, it is possible for those who have gone before, to be remembered more or less fondly than at the time of their power. That is if they are remembered at all. In some ways, the president Trump had most in common with wasn’t Nixon but Ulysses S. Grant. Grant was widely considered an incompetent, at least in terms of politics. He was elected entirely on his fame as a hot shot general during the civil war. Notably he was voted out after a single term. He is one of many presidents who are only dimly remembered, along with the likes of Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover. Who still made out better than Chester Arthur, Millard Fillmore and Rutherford B. Hayes who no one remembers at all, except maybe from the musical number on The Simpsons.
Sad Reminders
Who can say how Trump will be remembered in another fifty to one hundred years. Speaking as a historian, it strikes me that the answer largely depends on if he tries to run again. And then, if he actually gets the nomination. If he runs again and gets the nomination he’ll be a laughing stock who didn’t know when to quit. Putting him in the class of presidents who are remembered for negative things, like Woodrow Wilson and William Henry Harrison. If he runs for the nomination and loses, or just leaves things alone, he will more than likely become a footnote. More like Andrew Johnson, who was the first president to be impeached. Which, in a weird way, would be the most terrible punishment possible for a vainglorious narcissist like Donald Trump.
https://www.calamitypolitics.com/2019/10/01/no-whitewash-at-the-white-house/
