We are currently in the midst of one of the most tumultuous times in modern American history. The advances in technology, specifically social media, have allowed normal citizens to voice their opinions to an audience much wider than anything we have seen before. Our president-elect, Donald Trump, has recognized this tool and utilizes it to voice his opinion, much to the dismay of his naysayers.

Much like Frankin D. Roosevelt’s “fireside chats,” Donald Trump is utilizing public forums such as Twitter and Facebook to reach a wide audience and portray his ideas. FDR used radio as a tool to reach the American people and inform them of contentious issues facing our nation, much like Donald Trump is attempting to do. The difference is that FDR understood the power that reaching the masses would have and the firestorm it could cause; for this reason, he spoke with passion but continued to act in a manner befitting the leader of the free world.

While Donald Trump understands the power of social media, he acts in what many believe is a manner not befitting a president – more like the entertainment figure he was prior to the election.

If he can change to a more benevolent way of speaking, social media will definitely be a tool that he can use to effect change and motivate the American people to become passionate and involved in his policies. Only time will tell if our president-elect will use this tool in a positive way, like FDR’s fireside chats, or if he will continue to alienate and divide the American people even more.

Stephen Kimball

Scarborough

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