Donald was elected President in 2016 because he promised a needy segment of the American population that he would help them when he said "I will take care of you". These people desperate for a "champion" believed him and voted to elect him to lead the country. His most ardent supporters, mostly white conservative Christians, continue to believe him and make up his "base" to this day. Over the last 3 years the Republican Party has gradually become Donald's Party with his "base" making up its core.
For historical reference I will admit that I was Republican until the 1990's', now registered as a Democrat, but I am really an Independent. I believe in good government that is honest, just, works for people, provides useful services and protects the least among us.
Donald elicits a wide variety of emotions--- adulation from his base of supporters, fear from his colleagues and hatred from his opponents. I have another reaction---I feel sorry for him.
Donald is a 73 year-old man who appears to have never really experienced a positive emotional connection with another person.
As a science educator I encountered students in my classes that fit Donald's behavior pattern. In today's public schools, were he a middle school student, he would have an IEP (Individualized Educational Program) and receive some kind of remedial services. He would be described as a "special needs student" and would receive individualized training to help him cope with his deficits or handicaps.
I do not know if Donald ever received any remedial help with his handicaps that he exhibits all the time. It is obvious that he has limited positive skills in dealing with people, so I have to assume he never received any help.
So what do I mean by handicaps? Donald has often been described as a narcissist (a person who exhibits an excessive admiration of oneself). Being self-centered is a common thread throughout the human species, but Donald's condition is way beyond normal. He constantly craves and sometimes demands approval and admiration, often complaining when he does not receive what he desires.
He does not have the capacity to admit mistakes or errors. That is another section of his handicap. Since, like the rest of us, he makes mistakes but can't admit them, so he resorts to being a bully. When confronted with a mistake he often deflects by denying it, blaming the error on someone else or changing the subject. His mind appears to be so fragile that for him to apologize for a mistake, he seems almost on the verge of a mental breakdown, so for cover he resorts to name calling, putdowns and temper tantrums. He has probably done this since he was a child.
This is classic behavior for some special needs children. Growing up these kids quickly discover what works for them. If they don't get what they want, a meltdown or tantrum in front of guests or extended family, will get Mommy and Daddy's attention. Parents in this situation often go to great lengths to avoid the embarrassment of an out of control child. I believe this is how Donald performs in the White House and why he gets away with behavior most of us would not tolerate in our own small children.
Donald does not show empathy for others. This is another one of his deficits. He does not appear capable of, as we might say "walking in someone else's shoes". He feels no-one 's pain or fear or joy or love or compassion. That part of his brain is gone and was probably never there. As a result he can assault a woman sexually, send migrant children sick with COVID-19 back to their home country, deny health care to sick minorities and lie constantly. He shows no remorse for the terrible things he says or does to other people, because he has none.
Sadly, I believe HE CAN NOT CHANGE, BECAUSE HIS MIND WILL NOT LET HIM. Donald is a scared old man trapped in a room of mirrors where he sees only himself. He would like to find a way out, but can't.
Donald is in the most powerful position on the planet and is emotionally unable to lead humanity through these most perilous of times.
God help us.
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