John Divers: Trump uniquely unqualified to be president

The Nov. 9 N&O front-page headline “Trump wins” provoked a deep sadness. How do you explain a Donald Trump triumph? My simplistic explanation: “Hillary Haters!”

Voters’ dislike of her perceived character outweighed the seriously flawed character of her opponent. No matter that Republican security officials think him a danger to the country, nor that economists pan his economic plan as unrealistic, nor that his promise to appoint conservative Supreme Court judges may affect a woman’s right to choice.

Among the “Hillary Haters” we may find Bernie Sanders enthusiasts who could not bring themselves to vote for her and voted third party or not at all. Or maybe the glass ceiling prejudice against women in high office influenced many voters.

For whatever the reason, the citizenry has elected a man spectacularly unqualified by character, temperament, experience and knowledge to occupy the office of president. What a contrast to Obama. We can only hope that our worst fears prove to be unwarranted.

This story was originally published November 12, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "John Divers: Trump uniquely unqualified to be president."