The Attention Economy of the Presidency

The presidency is a unique position that requires a delicate balance between commanding attention and using it wisely. No one has mastered this art more than Donald Trump, but his approach has been disastrous for the country. By constantly seeking to occupy every inch of public attention, he’s created an environment where people feel manipulated rather than led.

This isn’t just about Trump’s personality; it’s a broader pattern in which the presidency has become an entertainment vehicle. Former Representative Matt Gaetz famously said that if you’re not making news, you’re not governing. However, this view is misguided. A president who consumes every available moment with his own antics leaves no space for meaningful action or thoughtful decision-making.

The public’s attention is a limited resource, and when the president spends it on trivial matters, he takes away from those who need it to address their own problems. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about human experience. As UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell noted, the government should protect us, not entertain us.

In today’s constant news cycles and social media culture, every moment is an opportunity for self-promotion. But this approach neglects the fundamental responsibility of a president: to lead by example and use their platform to elevate the national conversation.

Presidents who have handled moments of crisis with dignity and compassion are notable exceptions. Reagan’s response after the Challenger explosion and Obama’s visit to Emanuel AME in Charleston demonstrate that sometimes a president doesn’t need to ask for attention; they simply need to be present and offer comfort.

In contrast, Trump has politicized even the most tragic events, using them as opportunities to self-aggrandize rather than unite the nation. He’s turned the presidency into a platform for personal grievances and distractions, leaving behind damaged relationships and lost trust.

As we look ahead to the next presidential election, it’s essential that voters demand more from their candidates. Rather than just asking “Don’t be Donald Trump,” let’s ask what kind of president they want to lead us towards. Do we want someone who will continue down this path of self-aggrandizement or one who will use their platform to inspire and uplift the nation?

The presidency is a trust, not a possession. It’s time for our leaders to remember that the public’s attention belongs to the people, not just the president. By rationing his calls on the public’s attention, the next president can protect their own effectiveness and the country’s well-being.

As Franklin Roosevelt noted in 1935, “public psychology” cannot be sustained by constant repetition of a single note. A president who explains, rather than simply tells, can use their platform to educate and empower the nation. It’s time for our leaders to put the people’s needs ahead of their own self-interest and start using their attention wisely.

The consequences of this approach will be far-reaching. If we continue down the path of constant distraction and manipulation, we risk eroding the very foundations of democracy. But if we can find a way to use the presidency as a force for good, we might just rediscover what it means to be a leader who truly serves the people.