The same guts, determination and focus that propelled President-elect Donald Trump to victory will come in mighty handy when he assumes office. The nation, in fact, perceives Mr. Trump as a man with some gumption. Though they may fault him on other points, 71 percent of Americans say he is “a strong person,” according to a new Quinnipiac University poll; 94 percent of Republicans, 73 percent of independents and even a grudging 51 percent of Democrats agree. No one disagrees. That opinion is also shared by majorities in a dozen other demographics, including three-quarters of American men, two-thirds of college graduates, 63 percent of women and 59 percent of non-white respondents.
Mr. Trump could confound those analysts poised to proclaim he doesn’t have the classic “experience” to deal with national and world affairs. They are overlooking an emerging factor. The skill set is changing thanks to incessant and unpredictable press coverage, social media and cultural factors — leaders must use diplomacy and muscle, tactics and street smarts, determination and flexibility. Style and chutzpah play a role as does gamesmanship and instinct.
Ahead of his time, Ronald Reagan had such qualities back in the day, when he faced down the Soviet Union and brought optimism back into fashion. Mr. Trump — who is very at home on the global stage, as is his wife, Melania — appears to have them as well.
The phenomenon is on some select radar already. Talk radio host Michael Savage has a new book arriving in March, titled “Trump’s War: The Fight to Make America First Again.” And “Trump’s war,” Mr. Savage says, began Wednesday, as the incoming president squared off with the press over “false news.”
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