While seeking another stay in the White House, Donald Trump did what most politicians do: promised the moon to those who might help him get elected. Trump also assured us that promises made would be promises kept. But as former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo is famously quoted, “You campaign in poetry. Some of the promises called for unbelievably dramatic outcomes. You govern in prose.”
Bruce Yandle
As much could be said of any modern presidency. But Americans are ready to put campaign poetry aside in favor of prose you can hang your hat on. The president and his team may be getting the message.
Trump indicated on taking his oath of office that America would enter a golden age that would begin “right now.” There was more. “Starting on day one, we will end inflation and make America affordable again.” (Somehow the nation’s laying hens did not heed the message.) To top it off, the newly elected president promised to end the Russia-Ukraine war in just 24 hours, if he did not do so before being sworn in.
So much was promised in so little time that these poetic outcomes were reminiscent of the Genesis creation story in which God created light, darkness, the entire universe and all living things in a matter of six days. Most Bible scholars suggest that when reckoning time, biblical days are much longer than 24-hour days. Some of Trump’s timelines may require their own reassessment.
After the president was in office for a month or so, Americans couldn’t help but notice that a golden age was not yet here. Inflation was still alive, including and the price of eggs. Despite valiant efforts by special peace envoys, the Ukraine-Russian war raged on.
Asked to explain the lag in bringing peace, Trump responded: “Well, I was being a little bit sarcastic when I said that. What I really mean is I’d like to get it settled, and I think I’ll be successful.” Seated once again at the Resolute Desk, Trump switched from poetry to prose.
With prose of his own, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered a fresh interpretation of Trump’s poetic timelines. Before reaching the golden age, he said, the economy had to go through a detox period when the ill effects of the previous administration were purged from the economy. As to ending inflation, he suggested the idea wasn’t all that important anyway because accessing cheap goods is not the essence of the American dream.
Aided perhaps by Bessent’s revision, Trump insisted he is keeping promises, but that it takes a long time for all the flowers to blossom. After all, we are talking about something really big.
These things take time.
Tariff-driven trade wars are accelerating. Thousands of federal workers have been receiving pink slips. Entire agencies are apparently being shuttered and tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants are being deported. Economic forecasts are being revised downward and, according to polls, consumer confidence and small business optimism are headed south.
So let us be patient. Stephen Miran, chair of Trump’s Council of Economic Advisors, gave another interpretation of when the golden age might arrive: “We won’t see an economy that is driven by the totality of the president’s policies until the totality of the president’s policies are implemented. I think it should be measured more in terms of policy enactment than in calendar time.”
Cuomo’s adage describes a natural phenomenon of campaigning and governing, but maybe Trump’s team should consider adopting another: “Better to under-promise and over-deliver.” Then again, that might not attract many voters.
