Lyles: The laws of cause and effect

Political polls have revealed an intriguing disconnect in the public psyche for almost a decade. It began to reveal itself during the latter years of the Obama administration when polling data showed Mr. Obama was extremely popular, but a substantial majority of people felt the country was headed in the wrong direction. The numbers now reveal the reverse regarding Mr. Trump. His personal favorability ratings, although rising, are relatively low while most people feel the country is heading in the right direction.

The polls make it clear that many Americans don’t understand the laws of cause and effect.

Mr. Obama projects a polished and positive persona, while Mr. Trump projects an image that is at the least more brusque and less polished and often offends many. However, most of Mr. Obama’s accomplishments were unpopular and seen by many as bad for America, while most Americans believe Mr. Trump’s accomplishments are good for America. Those who like Mr. Obama thus appear to like him for his persona rather than his results, and those who dislike Mr. Trump appear to dislike him based on personality rather than results. Mr. Trump’s unapologetic and effective pro-American leadership has had profound impact on perceptions about where our country is headed, even though many refuse to consider him as the cause.

Former California State Assembly Speaker Willie Brown’s political insights have always been impressive. In May of this year he wrote, “Like it or not, a significant number of Americans are happy these days. They are making money. They feel safe, and they agree with the president’s trade policies, his call for more American jobs, and even his immigration stance.” He may be the only Democrat of note to give credit where it is due.

Mr. Obama’s legacy is disappearing because most of his accomplishments were contrary to the will of the American people. America’s involvement in the Paris climate agreement, Trans-Pacific Partnership, and Iran deal have all ended. The Obamacare personal mandate and the war on coal are gone. Iran and North Korea will likely be permanently de-nuked. The Obama foreign policy based on appeasement and strategic patience has been replaced by strength abroad and prosperity at home. When Mr. Trump argues that it is NATO’s best interest to strengthen itself and become less reliant on the U.S., its members are listening and responding.

Unlike most of his predecessors, Mr. Trump is delivering on his campaign promises. He moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, he is phasing out DACA, renegotiating NAFTA, and moving forward with Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. He has eliminated thousands of unnecessary government regulations to help fan the flames on an economy based on freedom. He eliminated so-called net neutrality to reduce government interference on the internet and has revamped the Veteran’s Administration.

He passed record tax cuts that have produced an unprecedented economic boom. Unemployment, included minority unemployment are at record lows. Wages are rising. Investment capital that was stashed in foreign countries is returning to America. Industries that were written off by the Democrats are returning in full force.

Perhaps we should look at reframing Mr. Obama’s legacy. If he had used his persona to cause the country to move in the right direction, his accomplishments would have lasted more than a couple of years. But because he was headed down the wrong path, Mr. Obama practically forced Americans to elect a president who would put Americans first. Mr. Obama’s most profound legacy will be his paving the way for the election of Mr. Trump, whose impact will powerfully overshadow that of Mr. Obama for generations to come.

Lyles, a Poway resident, is a management consultant and best-selling author.