As our country, the United States, approaches its 2024 presidential election, we voters will consider a bunch of factors when evaluating the two (so far) candidates: President Joe Biden and former President Donald J. Trump.
While policy positions, experience, and leadership skills are crucial, to me one trait that deserves particular attention is empathy.
This researched article explores why empathy is a highly valued characteristic for a president and how it can positively impact their ability to lead effectively.
While my intention is not to steer you into voting for any particular candidate (my reaction to the debate is Yikes!), criminal convictions, dog-whistles, old age, gaffs, memory lapses seem to be all I hear about across the media spectrum. I just feel that “empathy,” as a trait worth considering in a Presidential candidate, is being overlooked and under-reported.
First of all, what is Empathy?
Generally speaking, Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
In the context of leadership, it involves:
- Recognizing others’ emotions and perspectives
- Demonstrating genuine concern for people’s experiences
- Considering diverse viewpoints when making decisions
So why does Empathy matter in Presidential Leadership? It helps the office holder to:
1. Connect with Citizens
An empathetic president can:
- Relate to the challenges faced by everyday Americans
- Understand the impact of policies on different segments of society
- Communicate in a way that resonates with people’s lived experiences
2. Build Trust and Credibility
Empathy helps a president:
- Establish rapport with constituents
- Demonstrate authenticity in their interactions
- Create a sense of shared purpose among diverse groups
3. Foster Unity
In an increasingly polarized political landscape, an empathetic leader can:
- Bridge divides between opposing factions
- Promote understanding among different communities
- Encourage compromise and collaboration
4. Make Informed Decisions
Empathy enables a president to:
- Consider multiple perspectives when crafting policies
- Anticipate the potential consequences of their actions
- Balance competing interests for the greater good
5. Manage crises
During times of a national crisis, an empathetic president can:
- Provide comfort and reassurance to those affected
- Respond with appropriate urgency and sensitivity
- Unite the country in facing challenges together
6. Engage in International Diplomacy
On the global stage, empathy allows a president to:
- Navigate complex cultural differences
- Build stronger relationships with foreign leaders
- Negotiate more effectively by understanding others’ motivations
7. Work for Social Justice and Equality
Empathy allows a president to:
- Understand the experiences of marginalized communities
- Address systemic inequalities with genuine concern
- Promote policies that foster a more inclusive society
8. Recognize the importance of Environmental Stewardship
An empathetic approach helps a president:
- Appreciate the long-term impact of climate change on future generations
- Balance economic interests with environmental protection
- Respond compassionately to communities affected by natural disasters
9. Craft an inclusive Healthcare Policy
Empathy in healthcare decisions enables a president to:
- Understand the personal struggles of those facing medical challenges
- Craft policies that address both physical and mental health needs
- Respond effectively to public health crises
10. Champion Education Reform
An empathetic president can:
- Relate to the challenges faced by students, parents, and educators
- Develop policies that address diverse learning needs
- Promote equal access to quality education
11. Support Veterans Affairs
Empathy is crucial for a president to:
- Understand the unique challenges faced by veterans and their families
- Ensure adequate support for those who have served
- Address complex issues like PTSD and veteran homelessness
12. Craft a strong Economic Policy
An empathetic approach to the economy allows a president to:
- Consider the human impact of economic decisions
- Balance growth with social welfare
- Address income inequality and its effects on different communities
13. Support Women’s Issues
An empathetic approach to women’s issues allows a president to:
- Understand and address the unique challenges faced by women in society
- Promote policies that ensure gender equality and women’s rights
- Recognize and work to eliminate systemic barriers to women’s advancement
- Address sensitive topics such as reproductive rights with nuance and compassion
- Champion initiatives to combat gender-based violence and discrimination
- Support work-life balance policies that particularly affect women, such as paid family leave and affordable childcare
- Ensure diverse representation in government appointments and policy-making processes
The above topics highlight how empathy can influence a wide range of presidential responsibilities and decision-making processes.
They demonstrate that empathy is not just about personal interactions, but also about understanding the broader implications of policies on various segments of society.
A comparison of the perceived levels of empathy shown by Donald Trump and Joe Biden
It’s important to remember that perceptions of empathy can be subjective and influenced by various factors, including media portrayal, personal political beliefs, and individual experiences.
This table provides a general comparison based on widely reported observations, but it’s not an exhaustive or definitive assessment of either leader’s capacity for empathy.
Addressing the six topics from the above “Why Empathy Matters in Presidential Leadership” section.
| Topic | Donald Trump | Joe Biden |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Connecting with Citizens | Often perceived as more connected with his base supporters. Criticized for lack of empathy towards groups outside his core constituency. | Generally seen as more empathetic, often sharing personal experiences of loss and hardship. Known for his “Middle Class Joe” persona. |
| 2. Building Trust and Credibility | Struggled with overall trust ratings. Strong trust within his base, but significant distrust from other groups. | Has higher overall trust ratings. Seen as more consistent in messaging, though still faces skepticism from opposition. |
| 3. Fostering Unity | Often criticized for divisive rhetoric. Tended to energize supporters while alienating opponents. | Campaigned on a message of unity. Has made efforts to reach across the aisle, though success has been limited in a polarized environment. |
| 4. Informed Decision-Making | Perceived as making decisions based more on instinct and personal beliefs rather than diverse perspectives. | Viewed as more willing to consider multiple viewpoints and rely on expert advice in decision-making processes. |
| 5. Crisis Management | Criticized for his handling of crises like COVID-19. Communication style often seen as combative rather than reassuring. | Generally perceived as more empathetic in crisis situations, such as his approach to the ongoing pandemic response. |
| 6. International Diplomacy | Took a more confrontational approach in international relations. Less focused on traditional diplomatic norms. | Seen as more traditional in diplomatic approach, emphasizing alliances and international cooperation. |
| 7. Social Justice and Equality | Often criticized for policies and rhetoric perceived as unsympathetic to marginalized groups. | Generally viewed as more attentive to social justice issues, though criticized by some for not going far enough. |
| 8. Environmental Stewardship | Skeptical of climate change, prioritized economic interests over environmental concerns. | More aligned with environmental concerns, rejoined Paris Agreement, emphasizes clean energy transition. |
| 9. Healthcare Policy | Focused on repealing the Affordable Care Act. Less emphasis on universal healthcare access. | Advocates for expanding healthcare access, building on the Affordable Care Act. More emphasis on mental health and addiction treatment. |
| 10. Education Reform | Promoted school choice and vocational education. Less focus on public education system improvements. | Emphasizes increased funding for public education, student debt relief, and access to higher education. |
| 11. Veterans Affairs | Increased VA funding and reformed VA healthcare system. Mixed reviews on effectiveness of policies. | Emphasizes expanding VA services, particularly for mental health and homelessness. Personal connection as a military family member. |
| 12. Economic Policy | Focused on deregulation and tax cuts. Emphasized economic growth over wealth distribution. | Promotes “bottom-up” economic approach. Focuses on middle-class growth and addressing income inequality. |
| 13. Women’s Issues | Criticized for past comments about women. Appointed conservative justices, impacting reproductive rights. Limited initiatives for gender equality. | Emphasizes gender equality, appointed first female VP. Supports reproductive rights and initiatives to combat gender-based violence. Promotes policies like paid family leave. |
As I mentioned above, this comparison is based on widely reported observations and public perceptions.
Individual interpretations may vary, and the complex nature of these issues means that a comprehensive analysis would require more nuanced discussion.
To sum up…
Empathy is a valuable trait for a president, enhancing their ability to lead, unite, and serve the American people.
As we consider candidates in the upcoming election, we would do well to evaluate each candidate’s capacity for empathy alongside their other qualifications.
In my opinion an empathetic president is better equipped to deal with the complex challenges of this wild and crazy world while maintaining a strong connection to the people they serve.
Regardless of what I believe, I do encourage you to vote this November.
Cheers!