Little confidence

As the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump draws nearer (Jan. 20), most Americans have little confidence in the billionaire businessman’s ability to handle the country’s highest office. In a Gallup poll conducted last month, only 44 percent of respondents said they were confident that Trump will avoid major scandals in his administration, compared with 74 percent when President Obama took office in 2009. Similarly, a minority believe he will be able to handle an international crisis (46 percent) and use military force wisely (47 percent). At least 7 of 10 Americans were confident in Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton in these areas leading up to their inaugurations.