Does a former POTUS campaigning against his successor diminish respect for the Office?

2020-10-27T22:10:31-04:00

SGT Philip Roncari SGT Private RallyPoint Member LTC Stephen C. @LTC LTC Stephen F. LTC Private RallyPoint Member MSG Tom Earley SGM Erik Marquez SGT Gregory Lawritson
Would return to a former unit and fault your successor?

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 27 at 2020 10:14 PM

2020-10-27T22:14:57-04:00

Yes, it diminishes my respect.... for the former office holder, not the office, not the current office holder.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Oct 27 at 2020 10:17 PM

2020-10-27T22:17:35-04:00

Good Question CSM Charles Hayden !
Personally, I think it is somewhat ‘tacky’ and reflects badly upon the person and his lack of respect for the office...just my two cents

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 27 at 2020 10:36 PM

2020-10-27T22:36:21-04:00

I would say Obama has a moral obligation considering what Trump has done to the country. This is not isolated. Senior retired generals rarely ever enter politics, but they feel compelled to discuss the performance of Trump. Practically everything Trump touched he had broken it.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Oct 27 at 2020 10:40 PM

2020-10-27T22:40:16-04:00

No. However, a former President spending four years attempting to undermine his successor is definitely not okay

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Oct 27 at 2020 11:43 PM

2020-10-27T23:43:15-04:00

My opinion is that it doesn't diminish the office, especially when they worked together.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Oct 28 at 2020 5:46 AM

2020-10-28T05:46:04-04:00

Traditionally, former presidents tended to assume a role of an elder statesman who might publish an endorsement of the parties candidate, but stayed above the street fighting. Unfortunately, the political philosophy today is more centered upon party vs nation and personalities vs performance. Party platforms used to be more critical and provided the objectives toward which that party would work if elected. Although the presentation and style of the candidates mattered, the objectives, as presented in the platform, were more important.
Today's political system has developed into everything the founders feared; and not because of Trump. They envisioned three branches working for the good of the nation, not spending four years ignoring that good in favor of the party posturing for the next election.