MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio -- How does one make sense out of the political circus that continues to play out before our eyes? Is Donald Trump just a victim of a witch hunt motivated by opponents out to bring him down? Did Democrats piece together a flimsy collection of evidence that really doesnt add up to any impeachable offense? Or is President Trump finally facing the music of his own reckless leadership style? Has he consistently played footloose and fancy-free with the law of the land, carelessly pursuing an agenda that benefits himself?

What is the truth of the matter? Can anyone put forward an opinion that approaches fairness and neutrality, or are we all prisoners to our own presuppositions and slanted political outlook?

As a 67-year-old guy from middle-class America, I grew up rooting for John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey while voting for Jimmy Carter. Yet it is a mistake to tag me as a Democrat. I also voted for Ronald Reagan and the Bushes, both father and son. To be honest, in the last presidential election I voted for neither Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump. I wrote in a name not on the ballot.

Roger Kruse at his home in the Geauga County village of Middlefield, Ohio

Presently, I am decidedly conservative but looking for candidates that show some degree of integrity, wisdom, and ability to lead effectively. In these days of political divisiveness, we need leaders who can unite us and guide us toward cooperation and consensus. There will always be differences. That will never change. However, diversity of outlook can produce strength, balance, and a sort of hybrid of political policy and action. We just need a leader who will show us the way!

Most certainly, Donald Trump has inflicted trouble upon himself. A man reaps what he sows. The president has consistently displayed arrogance and a mean-spiritedness. He laments fake news but cranks it out himself every day.

He does deserve some credit for an economy humming along in robust health with low unemployment numbers. He also stands up to unfair trade practices and makes judicial appointments defined by a constitutional stance. I even like the fact that he eschews political correctness, defying media pressure to conform to their ideology. However, an effective leader must inspire, unite, and show by example how Americans can work together. Our president has consistently belittled and insulted opponents and treats his own Cabinet members with surprising disrespect!

It is unlikely that our president will change his stripes. It is also improbable that the U.S. Senate will convict and remove him from office. For those looking for change, the ballot box is still the best way for each citizen to determine who will lead us every four years. His impeachment could, in fact, backfire on Democrats. On the other hand, a good many Americans are weary of Mr. Trumps incessant tweets and his braggadocio style of self-promotion. The truth is, none of us knows just how the election will play out. We can only hope and pray that the American people will make the best choice!

Roger Kruse is a proud American convinced that our democracy is a precious gift that invites our participation as well as protection. After growing up in Solon, he met wife Glenda in India in 1980, and they have raised five children on four rural acres in Geauga County.

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Reflections from the Ohio middle on an impeached president: Roger Kruse - cleveland.com