Stanford Psychologist Albert Bandura’s social learning theory tells us that children watch the behavior of the adults — and then “try on” behavior by doing things they see at home, on television, and in social media.

Some conservative Idaho Republicans claim that Democrats, liberals, librarians, woke parents and grandparents set bad examples for children and that Republicans are better role models for our kids and grandkids. We know that since 2016 Idaho GOP leaders have revered Donald Trump as a political leader and that many want him re-elected in 2024. I’ve written to Idaho GOP and leader Dorothy Moon asking them to tell us why Donald Trump is a better children’s role model and why kids should “try on” his behavior. I’ve received no answer after several weeks. Yale Ph.D. Bob Gandossy, Senior Fellow at The Conference Board, published a checklist of Trump-like behaviors in a blog on medium.com in September, 2023. Could my grandkids or yours replicate these behaviors? Here is his list.

• “It is okay to lie as long as you win. There is no truth. Truth is what you say it is. There are always alternative facts. Always.
• “Never admit you are wrong. It is a sign of weakness.
• “Always take credit for positive things happening around you even if you don’t deserve it and blame others for problems. Do not take responsibility when things go awry. They are not your fault.
• “If anyone challenges you, make them your enemy and attack them at every turn.
• “Do not believe anything in the media. It is all fake.
• “Humility doesn’t work. To get ahead in life, you have to tell people you are smarter, richer, and tougher than you really are.
• “Fidelity is for suckers and if anyone tries to expose you just pay them off, threaten and sue them and then deny, deny, deny.
• “Being white and male is better. Women, people of color, LGBT and non-Christians are threats and should be treated as such.
• “The path to winning and rallying support is to find and defeat a common — weaker and defenseless — enemy. It is ok to bully others by whatever means necessary. It minimizes threats to you which is most important.
• “There is no need to read or learn new things. You already know all you need to know. Trust your instincts. You are smarter than everyone else.
• “And besides, you shouldn’t trust what you learn in schools or from your teachers. It’s all ‘indoctrination’.
• “No one is more important than you. Expect loyalty but don’t return it. Show no empathy. It will make you appear weak. Defend yourself at all costs. Nothing matters more than you.
• “Rules and laws are for suckers. Look for loopholes (that’s why they are there), it’s okay to skirt the law as long as you benefit.
• “Use religion as a prop, a shield to appear on the right side of things.”

You are parents and grandparents, educators and leaders, churchgoers, coaches, and activists in our communities. Are these behaviors really what you want our children and grandchildren to try out? I hope that the Idaho GOP will reject these behaviors and advocate better role models for our kids.