This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

I watched the circus we called a presidential election. I tuned in every debate on both sides. The rules and decorum changed drastically from the previous 15 presidential races I experienced since high school. It didn't matter that presidential candidate Donald Trump displayed attitudes and behaviors that would typically send a candidate home to their previous life.

I have an older brother who is special needs, so when Trump mocked a disabled person, I was appalled. I have four daughters, four sisters, a wife and six granddaughters, so when Trump made degrading comments about women, I was more than upset. Making up crude nicknames for opponents, using extreme exaggerations or telling outright untruths and being uninformed on issues surprised and shocked me.

When the state primary/caucus arrived, I stood in line for two hours feeling the burn for Bernie Sanders, as I was somewhat disillusioned with Hillary Clinton. Quite frankly, if John Kasich of Ohio had prevailed as the Republican candidate, I would have voted for him. I can live with a moderate. But when the race came down to Trump and Hillary, I couldn't vote for a candidate, who besides his poor behavior and personal attributes, started the race uninformed, remained uninformed and now, more than 100 days into his presidency, is still mostly uninformed.

Still, I hope things will work out for him and the country. The Electoral College selected Trump our president. I am hopeful he will be successful and I am confident the Congress and Supreme Court will help guide the new president in his leadership role.

Just the other day, I watched former President Obama talk with a group of students at the University of Chicago. It was his first public appearance since his presidency, and what a refreshing experience to see and hear a politician and former president speak eloquently, thoughtfully, intelligently and be thoroughly informed on the issues.

I want Trump to grow into someone who provides the leadership and presidential qualities of presidents who preceded him in office. I want our country to remain a world leader and power. I want our country to make strides in all areas of our lifestyles, with Congress working together with the president to achieve new efficiencies, fair taxation, immigration solutions and world leadership.

But please, Mr. President, become well informed on issues before you speak. Become informed before you act. Become informed for the sake of our country and its leadership position in the world. Become informed for the sake of my children and grandchildren. Take a moment – no, take all the time you need — and take a retrospective look at yourself and how you could improve your effectiveness by acting more presidential and becoming well informed on the issues.

You have a daughter working with you in the White House who seems to have a lot of influence on your behavior. Having four daughters myself, I understand. I suspect your daughter has already spoken with you about these same issues. From one father to another, I urge you to follow her advice.

President Trump, you have many positive attributes, talents and skills. Combine them with what we citizens expect from the highest elected position in our country. Do that and I may consider voting for you in the next election.

Tom Day is recently retired and lives in Cottonwood Heights.