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It's no secret that Americans have a soft spot for reality television. We enjoy dramatic personalities, clear heroes and villains, and storylines that keep us guessing. Donald Trump understood this long before he entered politics. For over a decade, he starred in The Apprentice, a TV show that portrayed him as a decisive, successful businessman. That image stuck--and for many, it still defines him.
But the problem is that reality TV isn't reality. It's scripted, edited, and designed for emotional impact. The Trump that millions saw on television was a carefully produced character--one that eclipsed his long-standing reputation in New York as a businessman with a checkered history of bankruptcies, lawsuits, and questionable ethics.
When Trump brought his reality-show approach to the presidency, it was familiar territory for viewers. Conflict, division, and dramatic flair became part of the daily political news cycle. He framed every issue in terms of us versus them: Trump versus the media, his supporters versus "the deep state," America versus the world. It was captivating--at first. But entertainment is not governance.
We should ask ourselves: Do we really want to choose our national leaders the way we choose our favorite TV characters? Leadership is not about who's most watchable or most quotable. It's about competence, honesty, and the ability to unite people, not divide them for ratings.
Yes, Trump can be engaging. But we've seen the consequences of mistaking performance for policy. From the January 6th attack to persistent misinformation about elections, the lines between showmanship and civic responsibility have been dangerously blurred.
We need to stop treating elections like casting calls and remember what's really at stake: the stability of our democracy, the integrity of our institutions, and the future of our country.
Let's vote like citizens, not viewers. America deserves leaders who serve, not stars who perform. One thing Donald Trump never was is an iconic businessman. He just played one on TV and now plays one as president. The truth is he ever even stayed overnight in a Holiday Inn Express.
TIM MANNELLO
Williamsport
Submitted by email