The Presidents’ New Clothes, A Cautionary Tale

In the heart of Washington D.C. lived a President who was obsessed by his clothes. Convinced that personal style was key to public approval, he had each of his suits tailored to project the perfect image.

The President's team of consultants worked tirelessly to maintain his appearance, gauging public opinion weekly and modifying his wardrobe accordingly; perhaps a slight narrowing of the ties or a broadening at the hem of the trousers. Sometimes it seemed as though, overnight, the President's image had changed completely. But he maintained steadfastly that although certain elements of his look may change from time to time, he always remained true to his essential sense of style.

It came to pass that the President's advisors had an idea. "Mr. President," they explained, "we've developed a revolutionary new fabric. It's so advanced that it appears invisible to those who are unintelligent or unfit for their positions. With this material, we can create an outfit guaranteed to extend your appeal in all States while maintaining your impeccable style."

The President agreed enthusiastically. And so the consultants set to work, gradually replacing items of the President's attire with invisible pieces. First, it was a tie considered a little garish, then shoes deemed too extravagant. Piece by piece, the President's visible outfit fell away.

Each time a garment was replaced, the consultants lavished praise on the new invisible item and its wearer. The President admired his reflection in the mirror, imagining the stunning outfit. His cabinet and staff cautiously complimented the President's evolving style.

Over the course of a few months, the President's outfit was gradually replaced with invisible items. He paraded around Washington, believing he was wearing the most exquisite and popularly appealing wardrobe ever created.

The media were quick to follow, describing the President's invisible clothes in elaborate detail, paying close attention to detailed descriptions provided by the White House. Movie stars and popular singers joined in; it seemed that anyone of importance was eager to prove their fashion sense, praising the President's progressive and culturally sensitive fashion choices.

Finally, a grand parade was organised to celebrate the President's impeccable sense of style; his complete new wardrobe would be displayed to the public for the first time.

As the President made his way down Pennsylvania Avenue, the crowds lining the streets waved flags and cheered.

Among the spectators was a young man named Donald who watched the proceedings with a calculating gleam in his eye. As the President passed close to him, preening and posing for the cameras, Donald saw his chance.

Without warning, Donald stripped off his own clothes and shouted, "Look at me! Look at me! My outfit is even finer than the President's!"

The crowd gasped and turned to look at Donald. Panning jerkily, the cameras followed. For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then, someone in the crowd called, "Well, at least we know what we're getting with this one!"

Laughter spread through the crowd. Sensing something was amiss, the President reasserted his sartorial superiority, but his claims now fell on deaf ears.

Donald grinned widely and began a lewd dance. He called out loudly so everyone could hear, "I have nothing to hide. What you see is what you get!"

In the days that followed, the nation was abuzz. Some were scandalised by Donald's brazen nudity. But many more were entertained.

As the next election approached, Donald's popularity soared so that he became the only viable alternative for the highest office in the land. Never acknowledging his or his opponent's uncovered state, Donald campaigned on a platform of "bare truth in politics" and "stripping away the illusion." The President's team and supporters were incredulous as Donald's slogan, "Naked Ambition For A Better America”, gained traction with more and more voters. Failing to understand how the ground had moved so quickly underneath him, the President dared to criticise Donald's nudity while refusing to acknowledge his own.

In a turn of events that rocked the world, Donald won the election. 

And so it came to pass that the nation entered a new era where no President wore clothes. In fact, very soon, people in positions of power across the land felt comfortable to go through public life naked, always careful never to acknowledge or admit the fact.

Even so, some remembered fondly the days when presidents wore clothes and told the truth.