1 of 1- Goose
- Cogito ergo sum
Offline 
- Registered: 1/29/2015
- Posts: 13,427
The Best and The Brightest Aren't Interested
As Trump Weighs Shake-Up, He Faces Recruiting Challenge
WASHINGTON — Back from overseas and confronting an unforgiving political environment, President Trump appears increasingly isolated inside the White House, according to advisers, venting frustration over the performance of his staff and openly talking about shaking it up. But as he considers casting off old aides, Mr. Trump is finding it challenging to recruit new ones.
The disclosures from investigations stemming from Russian meddling in last year’s election — coupled with the president’s habit of undercutting his staff — have driven away candidates for West Wing jobs that normally would be among the most coveted in American politics, according to people involved in the search.
By the time the first change in what may be a broader shake-up was announced Tuesday, the White House was left without a replacement. Michael Dubke, the White House communications director, said he would step down, but four possible successors contacted by the White House declined to be considered, according to an associate of Mr. Trump who like others asked not to be identified discussing internal matters.
At the same time, talks with two former advisers, Corey Lewandowski and David N. Bossie, about joining the White House staff grew more complicated. Mr. Bossie, a former deputy campaign manager, signaled that he does not plan to join the staff, citing family concerns, one person close to the discussions said Tuesday. It was not clear what that might mean for Mr. Lewandowski, who was the campaign manager until being fired last summer but who has remained close to Mr. Trump.
We live in a time in which decent and otherwise sensible people are surrendering too easily to the hectoring of morons or extremists.
- tennyson
- Exchanger
Offline
- Registered: 2/06/2015
- Posts: 6,654
Re: The Best and The Brightest Aren't Interested
A number of months ago I thought Lewandoski would have jumped at the opportunity, but he has now parlayed his earlier stint (from which he was let go) into a nice likely well paying job as an influence peddler in the Avenue Strategies consulting firm.
Trump continues to underfill and place mostly unqualified people in rolls that are vital to his success. It is showing at this point. His style further keeps many from even wanting to work for him.
"Do not confuse motion and progress, A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress"
- Just Fred
- Duke of Cortona
Offline
- Registered: 1/29/2015
- Posts: 3,863
Re: The Best and The Brightest Aren't Interested
I can relate to this. I once worked under authoritarian leadership. Many of us, especially those employed for a short period of time, began looking for another job when it became evident this wasn't going to work out well over the long term.
However, believe it or not, there are people who actually flourish in an authoritarian environment. As the title of the thread states, "the best and brightest aren't interested".
- Rongone
- Sentient Being
Offline
- From: Keeping Calm, Sailing On
- Registered: 1/31/2015
- Posts: 2,872
Re: The Best and The Brightest Aren't Interested
In a strict authoritarian environment, you only need to continually agree with those in charge. Smile. Clap your hands. Nod your head in approval. And never, never deviate from the official party line . . . no matter how often it changes . . . and even if today's message totally contradicts yesterday's edicts.
That's how you survive in that sort of environment. Just ask the smiling, clapping, nodding heads surrounding 'Dear Leader'.
Who are we talking about again . . . ?
Donald Trump
Or
Kim Jong-Un ? ? ?
Last edited by Rongone (5/31/2017 9:21 am)
- Just Fred
- Duke of Cortona
Offline
- Registered: 1/29/2015
- Posts: 3,863
Re: The Best and The Brightest Aren't Interested
Good points made by rongone. And, here's it works working under authoritarian leadership:
Authoritarians want to make it appear they are concerned and supportive of democratic principles. So, the leader sets up a committee of employees to investigate, research, and finally make a recommendation to the rest of the staff as to the course that should be taken regarding an issue or a problem.
The committee meets several times, ideas are kicked around, pros and cons are discussed, etc. Ok, great.
But, if the committee recommends an idea or solution that counters what the leader has pre-determined what the solution should be, the poop hits the fan and the 'committee' becomes the enemy. If the 'committee' recommends what the leader has wanted in the first place, nobody gets hurt.
As one of my colleagues told me, "If you are going to chair a committee, find out what answer Mr. (fill in the blank) wants in the end and recommend that."
And, here's the nasty part: When a decision is made and it works, the leader takes the credit. If it doesn't work, the leader says, "Well, this is what your committee recommended."
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.