Problem
Political scientist Richard Neustadt who wrote: "Presidential power is the power to persuade" The truth is the U.S. Constitution grants the American president very few specific powers, and the powers he does have are checked by the other branches. As a result, he needs to persuade the public to elect him, and then he needs to persuade Congress to do what he wants and the public to continue to support him. Consequently, Neustadt argues the greatest presidents -- those who accomplish the most -- are the ones who rely not so much on their constitutional powers but on their powers of persuasion.
A. What do you think are the personal and/or personality skills that help make a president an effective persuader?
B. What other factors -- beyond personal skills -- can help (or hurt) a president when it comes to the powers of persuasion?
C. What qualities do you think help President Trump when it comes to the power of persuasion? What qualities do you think hurt President Trump when it comes to the power of persuasion?