The reporting
on Megyn Kelly’s interview with Donald Trump on Tuesday has largely focused on
Trump’s abusive remarks about women and Kelly herself. His referring to her as a “bimbo” has made
the headlines. The Trump vs. Kelly
narrative was completely overblown and ridiculous. That overemphasis missed the most revealing
parts of the interview.
For example,
when Kelly asked Trump if anyone has ever hurt him emotionally, he started
talking about his alcoholic brother who died. When he tried to turn the subject to a discussion
about alcoholism, Kelly brought him back to her point. He was reticent to answer, saying that he
would have to think about it. But he did
come up with this: “When I’m wounded, I go after people hard, okay? And I try and ‘un-wound’ myself.” That’s the definition of a bully. He said that he responds based on “what they
did to me.”
“If
we do not transform our pain, we will most assuredly transmit it.” Some words of wisdom from Richard Rohr. I’m hardly a fan of Trump’s, but I can see how
his bullying attitude comes from a deep sense of lack of self-worth. (Perhaps self-hatred?) He brags because he feels unworthy inside. I’m not seeking to justify, just seeking to
explain. That acting out of fear and
pain is common to us all. Those who don’t admit that and don’t seek to address it make for poor leaders, be they president, pastor, or parent.
Okay, now I will remove my
therapist hat!
