Was former President Donald Trump a good leader? Yes? No? Or as some on Facebook might say, “It’s complicated.”

Such is the partisan world we live in these days. But are there really two alternative realities – both equally valid? Is it truly just a matter of personal preference?

Of course not. And if you think so, please take a moment to slap yourself in the face. Either hand should suffice.

In my never-ending quest to find the proverbial truth, I decided to use the approach pioneered by an intellectual powerhouse I have long admired – our good friend Jeff Foxworthy.

I think if you apply the following criteria, and if you are honest, you might be able to answer the question at hand.

So without further ado, consider the following:

If you have an inclusive, coherent vision of where you want to take your followers, you might be a good leader.

If you have a clue about how to actually execute that vision, you might be a good leader.

If you have a realistic understanding of your capabilities as well as your deficiencies, you might be a good leader.

If you give others the credit when things go well – and you take the blame when things go off the rails – you might be a good leader.

If you would never throw an associate under the bus to save your own skin, you might be a good leader.

If you see building coalitions as more important than building an empire, you might be a good leader.

If you believe the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few – or the one - you might be a good leader.

Finally, if you are sincerely committed to a cause or an ideal greater than yourself, you might be a good leader.

What’s your verdict?

Aaron Hughey

Bowling Green