Unveiling the Unconventional Leadership Styles of Musk, McCarthy, and Romney

US Army General George S. Patton wrote, "Troy was defeated, the walls of Hadrian crumbled, and even the supposedly impenetrable Great Wall of China proved futile. The vast seas that are believed to protect us can also be overcome by a determined and clever adversary."

"In warfare, the most reliable form of defense lies in launching an offensive, and the effectiveness of the offensive relies heavily on the individuals conducting it possessing a warlike spirit."

The description of Patton himself truly embodies the notion of a warlike soul. With his vanity, ambition, and penchant for cigar-smoking, he embodied the archetype of a bully. Sporting riding breeches, a shining helmet, and boots, and equipped with ivory-handled revolvers, he fearlessly led his troops on swift and triumphant assaults through the German-held territories towards the conclusion of World War II.

Patton's military accomplishments were attributed to his daring, strategic grasp, and ability to inspire troops. He advocated leading by example on the front line. Although his warfighting approach was often ridiculed by higher-ranking officials, under his command, the Third Army inflicted ten times more enemy casualties than they suffered themselves, as reported by Major Stephen D. Sklenka of the Marine Corps.

However, Patton's forceful approach had a dark side that prevented him from reaching the highest military ranks. This was evident in his racist and antisemitic remarks, as well as his unfair accusation and physical assault of two soldiers in 1943 who he believed were feigning illness. The army initially kept these assaults concealed, but they eventually became known through leaked information.

As the world turned its attention to war, peace, and the challenges we face in our daily lives, the example of Pattons comes to mind. The performance of leaders, from various parts of the United States to the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's far east, has become increasingly significant. This raises important questions:

When does displaying a "warlike" ferocity become effective in achieving valid goals, and when does it become harmful or even toxic? Should a leader ever set aside their own views to prioritize the preferences of their followers? And when does injustices compel us to prioritize our conscience above all else?

Clay Jones

The two Elon Musks

Elon Musk's accomplishments in the business world have been remarkable, specifically in the areas of spaceflight and the production and promotion of electric cars. However, they have frequently been overshadowed by unpredictable and impulsive incidents, as mentioned in Nicole Hemmers' assessment of Walter Isaacson's latest book, "Elon Musk."

After acquiring Twitter last year, Musk swiftly turned into a destructive force, dismantling the social media platform's value, reputation, and eventually forcing it to rebrand. Lately, he has been leveraging the rebranded X platform to launch attacks on the Anti-Defamation League, an organization dedicated to battling antisemitism and extremism. Numerous criticisms have been aimed at Musk for his facilitation and promotion of antisemitic content on the platform.

Isaacson attempts to reconcile these two sides of Musk. He delves into Musk's turbulent upbringing in South Africa, marked by violence and disorder. He analyzes Musk's numerous tumultuous romantic relationships, often resulting in secret children. Isaacson also documents the fractured business partnerships, dismissed employees, and unreachable deadlines that seem designed to increase human suffering. Ultimately, Isaacson concludes that these are the sacrifices made in the pursuit of innovation. Musk's apparent cruelty stems, at least in part, from his perception that his companies hold greater significance and vitality than human beings themselves.

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Hemmer argues that Isaacson's portrayal of genius is narrow, promoting the idea that history is shaped by a select few brilliant individuals who succeed within existing systems. This emphasis on individual genius overlooks the collaborative efforts that played a significant role in Musk's career, instead focusing on his singular personality. Furthermore, it fails to recognize the transformative impact of leaders in racial justice and LGBTQ movements who have reshaped society by embodying emotional and moral understanding, qualities absent from Musk's career.

A mean tweet?

In the span of a week, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy demonstrated a form of leadership that was significantly compromised. This was primarily due to the arduous process of winning the support of his party's hard-right faction through a series of 15 rounds of voting, in order to assume leadership of the House in January.

In an apparent attempt to appease members of the House Freedom Caucus and satisfy former President Donald Trump, McCarthy initiated an investigation into the justifications for impeaching President Joe Biden. However, by the end of the week, it became evident that this tactic had little effect on the uncompromising House Republicans who showed no inclination to reach a compromise that would prevent a government shutdown on October 1.

According to Norman Eisen, "Trump seems to view the impeachment of Biden as a form of retaliation for his previous impeachments and ongoing criminal prosecutions. In reality, Trump is correct - this endeavor lacks a constitutional foundation and is solely driven by revenge."

Eisen, a Democrat who previously worked as counsel to House Democrats during the first Trump impeachment, suggested that McCarthy gave in to pressure from House members who threatened to remove him from his position as speaker. Eisen noted that although McCarthy had recently stated that he would not proceed without a formal vote on the inquiry, there was no mention of this in his announcement of the inquiry on Tuesday.

According to Eisen, despite years of investigation, there has been no evidence found to support the claim that Biden personally benefited from his son's foreign business transactions.

Conservative writer W. James Antle III contends that the Biden family should face congressional examination. It has been reported that President Joe Biden engaged in phone conversations with his sons' foreign business partners, potentially compromising the White House's integrity and our democracy. This is concerning, particularly since it appears that the involvement extended beyond what the president and his aides claimed regarding Hunter Biden's affairs.

Antle asserts that there are legitimate questions to be raised about these matters. However, he argues that an impeachment inquiry is not the appropriate forum for such inquiries. He observes that McCarthy's involvement only serves to diminish and weaken the once vital safeguard against presidential misconduct. Without a realistic chance of conviction and removal from office, impeachment becomes comparable to a nonbinding resolution opposing the president, eventually carrying little more weight than a negative social media post.

John Avlon predicted that the impeachment would have negative consequences. He believed that the baseless impeachment inquiry was a revenge tactic to confuse the public about the differences between Trump and Biden before the 2024 presidential election. Instead of benefiting the Republicans, it would only result in a backlash due to its excessive nature. Trying to counter a tit-for-tat impeachment vote would not attract swing voters in swing districts. It would be perceived as a hyper-partisan spectacle, prioritizing party interests over the welfare of the nation.

Dennis Aftergut: Why Lindsey Graham wasnt indicted

Walt Handelsman/Tribune Content Agency

Gun questions

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's decision to halt open and conceal carry laws in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County for a 30-day period followed a series of shootings, tragically claiming the lives of an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl. However, SE Cupp argues that the governor's action raises concerns of being unconstitutional, unenforceable, and ultimately ineffective.

"We all understand her frustration regarding the increasing gun violence issue, but pursuing this course of action is not deemed favorable, as she is currently facing significant opposition and criticism." "Not only have there been various rallies and protests, but she is also confronting multiple lawsuits. Additionally, even members of her own party, including progressive activists, have expressed concern, cautioning that her endeavors to control gun violence might have negative consequences." "On Wednesday, a federal judge thwarted the governor's order."

When Hunter Biden, the son of the president, was indicted on Thursday, it raised concerns about firearms. He was charged with two counts of lying during the purchase of a gun and one count of illegally possessing it. Despite denying his drug use, it was revealed by Robert J. Spitzer that Biden was, in fact, addicted to crack cocaine at the time. Spitzer pointed out that while it may be argued that Biden was targeted due to his last name, it would be wrong to assume that no serious offense occurred when he lied on his application. To address this issue, authorities should take a more aggressive approach in prosecuting drug users who acquire firearms, given the increasing availability of both.

Vladimir and Kim

According to Frida Ghitis, the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un portrayed Russia in a negative light. Ghitis suggests that Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has significantly weakened Russia, to the point where it has to seek assistance from an impoverished state that struggles to provide for its own people. This humiliating situation diminishes Putin's image, particularly when he audaciously compares himself to the esteemed 18th-century Czar Peter the Great. Overall, this interaction does not reflect well on Russia, which is already marred by various controversies and criticisms.

The war is increasingly posing a threat to the entire world. After more than 18 months, Russia is now aligning itself with a regime that has repeatedly attacked its neighboring country and continuously launches hazardous missiles in the region. This outcast nation is expected to become even more threatening following negotiations with Putin.

Sébastien Roblin: Dont give up on Ukraine just as its counteroffensive is starting to work

Exit Romney

Francis Chung/Politico/AP

Sen. Mitt Romney announced on Wednesday that he will not be running for a second term in next year's election. Romney has established himself as a figure in Washington who follows a similar path to the late Sen. John McCain. Like McCain, he fearlessly speaks out, even when it goes against the mainstream of his own party. In Trump's initial impeachment, Romney made history as the first senator in the United States to vote in favor of removing a president from his own party from office.

According to Lanhee J. Chen, a former adviser to Romney, his retirement from the Senate has garnered significant attention due to his remarkable sense of integrity, despite his relatively short tenure. He is willing to stand by his convictions, regardless of the consequences.

Romney and Trump differed in various aspects. Chen highlighted that Trump had a perceived overly friendly association with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which made some uncomfortable. In contrast, Romney has consistently maintained that Russia is our primary geopolitical adversary.

"The discussion revealed Romneys commitment to supporting policies based on their merit, rather than ones that simply offer political advantages. However, his meticulous approach to policy often led him to make accurate predictions, even prompting passionate Democrats to acknowledge his foresight in highlighting Russia's threat a decade ago."

Whats striking in the economy

Lisa Benson/GoComics.com

The Hollywood writers and actors continue to be on strike, and now the auto workers have gone on strike at selected plants owned by the "Big Three" companies - General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (the owner of Chrysler, Dodge, and Peugeot). Economist Kate Bahn pointed out that even the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) acknowledges that the union's demands are bold. The UAW is asking for their members to receive the same pay they used to get for a 40-hour work week, but now for a 32-hour work week. This would automatically increase worker earnings by a minimum of 20%, potentially lead to more employment in auto manufacturing plants, and reduce excessive and inefficient corporate profits.

"While much attention has been given to the political implications of this move during the labor-intensive summer, my focus is on the long-term effects on our economy," Bahn commented. "When viewed from this perspective, this important policy change has the potential to address the persistent issue of income inequality and the declining share of income for workers. By addressing these trends, we can improve our economy in a meaningful way, benefiting not just autoworkers but also the broader population."

The predicted recession has not materialized, at least not yet. Despite the Federal Reserve increasing borrowing costs, companies have continued to hire and consumers have kept spending. While some economists believe that the US will avoid a recession, Dana Peterson and Erik Lundh, economists at the Conference Board, see a recession on the horizon. As wage growth slows and personal savings decline, there is a concern that US consumers may be overly indulging in their spending habits.

Hardship withdrawals from 401(k) accounts have surged, retail theft is on the rise, and retailers observe a growing consumer preference for discount brands. These circumstances do not augur well for future spending, especially when coupled with the imminent resumption of mandatory student loan repayments in October.

Dana Summers/Tribune Content Agency

Kutcher and Kunis

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher attended the Ninth Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California, on April 15, 2023. The event was captured by Aude Guerrucci of Reuters.

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, the actors from "That 70s Show," found themselves in an uncomfortable situation when their character letters supporting their co-star Danny Masterson were made public. Masterson was recently sentenced to 30 years to life for raping two women in 2003. Critics have been especially critical of Kutcher's apology, given that he has positioned himself as an advocate against rape, having started an organization to combat child sex trafficking and testified before Congress in support of efforts to fight trafficking and sexual abuse.

"The problem isnt that Kutcher and Kunis asked the judge to show mercy and compassion for Masterson. Its that they offered so little of the same to his victims."

End of the manhunt

The manhunt for Danilo Cavalcante, which lasted for almost two weeks, concluded on Wednesday when authorities apprehended him. However, according to Arick Wierson, the repercussions of this incident are far from over. With the two horrifying homicides he committed and the fear he instilled throughout rural Pennsylvania during his time on the run, the Cavalcante episode has not only tarnished law enforcement's reputation in two different countries but has also intensified the ongoing debate on public safety and immigration in both nations.

Apple launches

Scott Stantis/Tribune Content Agency

In the new iPhone lineup announced on Tuesday, the most significant change is the removal of the lightning port and its substitution with USB-C chargers. This change was anticipated following the European Union's requirement. However, similar to previous instances of Apple introducing evolutionary technologies instead of revolutionary ones, the event captured significant attention beyond the company's California campus in Cupertino. Jeff Yang poses the question, "What is Apple's secret sauce? How has the company managed to maintain such unwavering passion and loyalty?"

Part of the answer lies in meticulous preparation and choreography. However, the true magic of Apple Events can be attributed to one key aspect: their purposeful design to evoke a sense of awe and fascination, just like the theme of today's event, Wonderlust. Wonder, in its essence, is a combination of mystery and joy, an unexpected surprise that instantly elicits a rush of pleasure and inspiration.

The cursed Jets

Phil Hands/Tribune Content Agency

The Boston Red Sox broke their curse in 2004.

The Chicago Cubs did it in 2016.

The New York Jets curse persists. As a devoted fan since the tender age of 8, Julian Zelizer expressed his anguish following Aaron Rodgers' season-ending injury on Monday, stating, "In the realm of professional sports, the heartache experienced by a lifelong New York Jets fan, faithfully holding season tickets, is unparalleled. As I sat in my regular seat at MetLife Stadium last Monday night, I witnessed the abrupt dissipation of all my hopes and aspirations for this season... The familiar narrative of the Jets' perpetual disappointment. Year after year, the fans are filled with anticipation, only to be met with unforeseen misfortune."

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AND…

On film

Kenneth Branagh in "A Haunting in Venice"

For fans of cozy detective stories, nothing can compare to the satisfaction of watching Hercule Poirot, the peculiar Belgian detective created by Agatha Christie, solve a case. Kenneth Branagh's latest film, "A Haunting in Venice," showcases Poirot's brilliance in an unforgettable way. As Noah Berlatsky describes it, Poirot delivers his victory speech atop a mountain of corpses, seemingly unfazed by the death toll. Amidst the breathtaking cinematography, which lovingly captures the beauty of the Venetian canals, Poirot proudly boasts about his deductive reasoning skills.

Sara Stewart recommends two equally bloodthirsty, yet distinct, movies. "Bottoms" is a satirical comedy that revolves around a queer-founded high school fight club. On the other hand, "Perpetrator" is an indie horror film that follows the transformation of a rebellious teenager into a supernatural being.

Despite their contrasting narratives, both these stories have received comparisons to the iconic teen-girl satire, "Heathers," from 1989. Similar to the unforgettable Winona Ryder movie, "Bottoms" and "Perpetrator" utilize stylized interpretations of high school movie clichés to explore the obstacles faced by teenage girls. Some of these challenges, such as the constant threat of school shootings and toxic masculinity, are specific to our current era. However, other issues, like widespread misogyny, remain timeless.