The Challenge

Every election exposes fundamental divisions within the populace. The 2016 Presidential election was no different; it was bitterly fought, featured incendiary rhetoric, and hardened divisions between supporters and opponents of their respective candidates. Yet, in many ways, this election was a fight over one man's personality and identity, what his belief system includes, and what he will do with the great power of the Presidency. We harbor vastly different thoughts on the object of our attention, President-elect Donald Trump. And yet, relitigating our assessments and predictions is pointless; Donald Trump is going to be the President. Instead, it may be best for each of us to have a conversation with ourselves, so that we may start to understand the differences we have with each other. Perhaps, if we are honest with ourselves about our own transgressions and errors, we will be more reasoned, less inflammatory, and more tolerant of those who disagree with us. The purpose of this book is not to challenge your ideas, beliefs, hopes, or fears about Donald Trump. This is not an opinion, a defense of an intellectual position, an advocacy of an idea, nor the endorsement or indictment of Donald Trump. This book is a tool, a vehicle for introspection, a vessel to carry your thoughts. Its purpose is to capture your ideas, your beliefs, your hopes, and your fears as they are currently formed. Its subject is you. Its object is Donald Trump. This book is simple. It asks that you to complete a series of questions, expressing your thoughts honestly, knowing your only intended audience is the future you. It is nothing more than a talk with yourself, transcribed to ensure accuracy as your memory fades with time. This is not easy. You must be prepared to be honest with yourself, knowing that it is your future self who will cast judgment on your thoughts today. Will you be proud of yourself or will you be ashamed? Can you hold yourself to account? Will you judge your mistakes and transgressions as brutally as you judge the mistakes and transgressions of others? Will you seek growth and change in yourself? Or will you be proved correct, that your judgment about Donald Trump was realistic, clear-headed and fair?