Standing at the crossroads of democracy

Independent Newsmedia/Charlene Bisson

What are your thoughts on the Trump presidency as we approach the 2026 midterm elections? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

OPINION — In May 2025, I expressed my human characteristics preferred of a leader. It was 100 days into Trump’s second term, and his performance at the time was graded poor. 

Today, less than 75 days until the midterm election, my grade for him is off the scale, on the low end. Many recent polls rate him among the worst presidents ever.

The characteristics I assessed were being truthful, ethical, compassionate, respectful and objective. 

A look at the antonym of each characteristic now better assesses this president:

• Truthful — dishonest/deceitful
• Ethical — immoral/amoral
• Compassionate — callous/merciless
• Respectful — rude/insulting
• Objective — emotions/feelings 

I believe these not only better describe the president’s character, they also describe the character of many of his cabinet members.

The result of the 2024 presidential election was a black mark on American history, in my opinion. Looking forward, will we make the same mistake in November 2026, or will the people vote to make right an election wrong?

Almost two years since Trump became president, we have high inflation, particularly for food and fuel, war with Iran, billions spent on a ballroom, gold-leaf trimmings throughout the White House and — per Trump  —  “a booming economy.”

Data says not. His only quantitative measurement defining his “booming economy” is the stock market.

Only the richest 10% of earners own over 90% of the value of all shares of stock. Big gains in the market reflect a booming economy from their perspective. How about the other 90% of earners?

Credit-card debt is the highest ever, auto repossessions and credit-card delinquencies are rising among lower-to-middle income borrowers.

Where we are today compared to November 2024 is essential to making a voting choice this November. Will “We The People” vote to return America to glory, or to allow the current administration to continue dishonest, immoral, callous, rude and subjective ways to drag our democratic republic down even further?

This writer is using a pen name. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.