The Big Mistake

"You can't insult your way to the Presidency." -- Jeb Bush

There are serious consequences if you do and succeed. -- Pug Mahoney

   It's one thing to dump on news reporters. They have thick skins and are accustomed to rejection and criticism from both sides of an issue. In fact, when attacked by both sides, that's a sure sign to journalists of a job well done.
   But to dump on your own information network is an error in judgement and a serious mistake by any politician. Experienced professionals will look for new jobs, and you will be left with those who will tell you only what you want to hear.
   A dedicated, responsible information specialist in the intelligence community will gather and compile all relevant information. Others in the various agencies will compare, contrast and analyze the data and provide summaries of what they are, what they may (or may not) mean, and perhaps offer recommendations on what to do, as well as suggest the potential consequences of any action or inaction.
   When a government leader ignores all that and relies solely on instinct -- which for many is intensely combative -- the result can be hazardous to the world's political health.
   A shrewd President learns to appreciate the dedication and efforts of the nation's intelligence community and relies on them for support in his search for information on which to base critical decisions.
   To dismiss these agencies as incompetent failures and to rely on your own instincts is to say "You're fired" to dedicated professionals loyal to the country and to hire only those willing to feed and support your own biases and preconceived notions of diplomatic strategy.
   The hazards are clear. Insulting journalists has little effect. They will continue to do their jobs. In fact, they will redouble their efforts to gather and report information important to voters.
   But insulting information specialists in the CIA, the FBI and the many other intelligence agencies may well antagonize them enough so they look for other work where their skills are appreciated.
   Either way, the Insulter in Chief loses needed support.