A resurfaced 1981 video shows Donald Trump giving a surprising response when asked about the possibility of running for president.
In a recently resurfaced video from 1981, Donald Trump shared surprising thoughts about running for president.
This clip features Trump during an interview with Rona Barrett when he was just 34 years old.
His views on politics back then were quite different from the persona he would later adopt.
Surprising answer of Donald Trump from 1981 resurfaces when asked about running for president
During the interview, Barrett asked Trump if he ever wanted to become president.
Trump replied honestly: “I really don’t believe I would, Rona, but I would like to see somebody as the president who could do the job and there are very capable people in this country.”
He mentioned that while he would love to dedicate himself to the country, he found the life of a president to be harsh and unkind.
When pressed further, Trump explained that he believed the political landscape was tough.
He noted that strong opinions might not lead to success in elections. He felt that someone who was not particularly smart but had charm could easily win over voters.
This comment highlighted his concerns about how appearance and personality can affect political outcomes.
Trump was further asked why he didn’t want to be president, to which he elaborated: “Because I think it’s a very mean life. I would love to dedicate my life to this country but I see it as being a mean life and I also see it that,
somebody with strong views and somebody with the kind of views that are maybe a little bit unpopular,
which may be right but may be unpopular, wouldn’t necessarily have a chance of getting elected against somebody with no great brain but a big smile and that’s a sad commentary for the political process.”
Donald Trump reflected on leadership
Trump also reflected on historical figures like Abraham Lincoln.
He suggested that Lincoln might struggle to be elected in modern times due to his looks and demeanor.
The president went on to add: “I mean, the Abraham Lincolns of the world, Abraham Lincoln would probably not be electable today because of television,
he was not a handsome man and he did not smile.”
This perspective from the past paints a picture of Trump as a thoughtful individual, considering the deeper implications of leadership and public perception.
Many viewers who saw the video expressed surprise at how calm and humble he appeared compared to his later public persona.
Reactions from the public
As the video circulated on social media, many people shared their reactions.
Some viewers noted the stark contrast between the Trump of 1981 and the Trump they know today.
One user said: It’s not shocking, he did what he said he was going to do. Use idiots to win.
The second user commented: He comes across extremely eloquent. Now he’s just in your face. Young Donald would have been unstoppable
The third user wrote: Why is American people voted for him if American people don’t like him
Another user added: Biggest mistake and blunder in history. Looser president
Someone said: Everything is planned for them, rather planners are maniacs.