Trump on Twitter: President-elect would rather tweet than face questions

The incoming president of the United States seldom sees the need to talk directly to the press.

But he is constantly issuing messages on Twitter on subjects of all kinds, whether it is his take on the possible interference of Russia in American politics or criticism by an actress at an awards show. It is certainly a change from presidential behavior in the past and might be come the new norm for communication with the Oval Office.

We hope not.

It is important for a president, or any elected official, to be open to answering questions by the media, no matter how distasteful and painful it might be for them. The public deserves to have certain questions answered. There is no ivory tower at the White House that allows a president to sit in private, avoid answering direct questions, and simply tweet out what is on his or her mind. The president has a responsibility -- just like a county commissioner or city council member -- to fess up publicly to what is on his mind and what he is up to as a public servant, for that is what he is. For all their power, all elected officials are still public servants chosen by the public and answerable to the public.

So often, elected officials get the notion that their ascension to power means they can do things behind closed doors because they fear the negative attention the action, or talk, might receive. It doesn't work that way. They are supposed to share what they are doing, or considering doing. We all have a stake in the outcome.

Published in Editorials on January 10, 2017 10:01 AM