Guest Columnist Ben Shapiro: Why a Ferret Would Be a Better President Than Donald Trump—And It’s Not Even Close

Let’s delve into a thought experiment that pits a ferret against Donald Trump for the presidency—a comparison that, while absurd on the surface, illuminates some harsh truths about Trump’s leadership and highlights qualities that a ferret could theoretically bring to the role.

**Empathy: A Concept Trump Largely Ignores**

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a quality that Donald Trump seems to have largely bypassed during his presidency. His leadership was marked by a staggering lack of sensitivity towards diverse groups and an apparent disregard for the emotional and social needs of the American people. Trump's presidency often resembled a reality TV show where the primary concern was his own ego and self-aggrandizement, rather than any genuine attempt to address the nuanced needs of his constituents.

Enter the ferret, an animal whose social behaviors reveal an innate form of empathy. Ferrets interact with their peers in ways that show an understanding of group dynamics and mutual support. Unlike Trump, who thrived on division and controversy, a ferret’s empathetic nature might foster a more inclusive and unifying approach to leadership. The ferret’s ability to form social bonds and respond to the needs of others could be seen as a stark contrast to Trump’s often callous and self-serving methods.

**Problem-Solving: Ferrets vs. Trump’s Incompetence**

When it comes to problem-solving, Trump’s presidency was characterized by a series of blunders and short-sighted policies. His approach was often marked by impulsive decisions and a disregard for the complexities of modern governance. Trump’s so-called solutions frequently exacerbated problems rather than solving them, whether it was his misguided handling of the COVID-19 pandemic or his divisive rhetoric that deepened societal rifts.

A ferret’s problem-solving skills, though instinctive and simple, are grounded in adaptability and practical intelligence. Ferrets navigate their environments with curiosity and creativity, solving problems as they arise without the baggage of political agendas or personal vendettas. This adaptability stands in stark contrast to Trump’s approach, which often lacked depth and insight. The ferret’s natural problem-solving abilities might lead to more effective and pragmatic solutions, far surpassing Trump’s track record of ineffective and often damaging decisions.

**Empathy and Problem-Solving: A Synergistic Advantage**

Combining empathy with effective problem-solving creates a leadership model that is fundamentally superior to Trump’s approach. A ferret’s ability to connect with others on an emotional level and adapt its problem-solving strategies could offer a more harmonious and practical approach to governance. Trump’s leadership, by contrast, was marked by a profound lack of empathy and an inability to tackle problems with any meaningful depth.

Trump’s tenure was characterized by self-serving policies and a myopic vision that often ignored the broader implications of his decisions. In contrast, a ferret’s hypothetical leadership would embody a model of governance driven by genuine understanding and practical intelligence—qualities sorely lacking in Trump’s presidency.

**Symbolism and Practical Impact**

While the idea of a ferret as President remains symbolic, it underscores the shortcomings of Trump’s leadership. The ferret represents a form of leadership that values empathy and adaptability—traits that Trump’s presidency consistently failed to demonstrate. In practice, the principles of empathy and effective problem-solving could lead to more balanced and responsive governance, a stark departure from the chaotic and divisive nature of Trump’s approach.

**Conclusion**

In comparing a ferret to Donald Trump, we highlight the glaring deficiencies in Trump’s leadership style. The ferret’s natural empathy and problem-solving abilities present a sharp contrast to Trump’s often inept and self-serving methods. This thought experiment serves as a powerful reminder of the fundamental qualities that effective leadership requires—qualities that were sorely lacking in Trump’s presidency. By valuing empathy and practical intelligence, we can envision a leadership model that is more inclusive, effective, and capable of addressing the complex challenges of our time.