- By Dan Veaner
- News
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Thanks to social media, the press, and live appearances, the public perception of President-elect Donald Trump has been that of a loose cannon, quick to attack his attackers, perhaps a little too engaged in social discourse. But Congressman Tom Reed (R- New York) presented a different picture at a press conference yesterday at which he answered questions about his appointment to Trump's transition team as one of seven co-chairs. Reed said he has had personal conversations with Trump that showed the next President as a person who is willing to listen.
"We had very candid private conversations where I tried to offer my two cents," Reed said. "I appreciate his constructive intake of that conversation. That's why I'm excited about where this is going. I think people are underestimating who Donald Trump is and the ability he brings to the table to make America great again."
Reed said he thinks the bitter political divide in the wake of the election will be tempered by economic successes.
"Once we start seeing things like the Carrier deal -- the President-elect is going to be in Indiana today with Mike Pence celebrating the keeping of those thousand-plus jobs (in the united States) -- that is the type of success that brings people together, because when you empower people to have opportunity, when you empower people to have a job where that pride, where that dignity that comes from hard work and being rewarded for the fruits of your labor... I think that will go a long way to unite many of the problems we see in the divisiveness that we see in America."
"Obviously that is not going to take care of everything," Reed continued. "I want to be part of that positive voice, to say at the end of the day, even though we may have great philosophical differences, we are all Americans. We are going to continue to be that voice that says we can have disagreement. We can adamantly disagree on how we're going to proceed as a country, but at the end of the day we have a common interest, and that is the great United States of America's prosperity and greatness for generations to come."
Reed said that while Trump is Trump, he understands problems that Americans face, trying to get good jobs, paying taxes, raising families.
"I think the ability for both the Vice President and the President-elect to relate to the troubles that folks like us in upstate western New York in particular, ie. the rust belt type of effect that you saw," Reed said. "I think that's why Donald Trump did so well in those areas of the county. He recognizes that for us to be successful as a nation, for us to have those opportunities for our kids, we need to start building things again. Obviously he is a very successful individual. He has his own point of view that he is very comfortable in knowing who he is -- which I think is a strength -- that gets misinterpreted by folks in the national media in particular. I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised that we have somebody who really understands the issue that people face on a day to day basis, and who wants to go to bat for them and put their interests first and hear their voices loud and clear."
Reed, who was critical of Trump's rhetoric at times during the campaign, says that despite that rhetoric Trump is willing to listen to opposing views.
"Obviously I have weighed in when I had concerns about the rhetoric, and will continue to retain that ability. That is something that I appreciate about the President-elect. He takes the input constructively. he takes the input in a positive way. Does that mean he is going to change as a person? No. He is very comfortable in knowing who he is, and I think that is a strength that many Americans will come to appreciate, as I have come to appreciate it. I are going to be a voice as we go forward to make sure the rhetoric and the tone is what, in my opinion... if it is something that needs to be raised, will be raised."
Reed said that Trump's gracious acceptance speech and other recent appearances illustrates a more thoughtful, measured Trump, willing to consider opposing opinions.
"I am looking forward to seeing him on display. I think that type of message and that type of rhetoric will do a lot to repeal the divisiveness that we see across the country today. When you saw the concession speech reaction, how gracefully he handled the election night results, and how he handled Hillary Clinton's situation... there is a commitment to putting the American people first that is genuine, that is sincere, and that is based on thoughtfulness and constructive input from those around him. I think part of what we have seen as President Trump has gone from candidate to President-elect status, you are seeing a recognition of the position he is in. That's a good development."
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