 Point three, character matters. Character is the quality that gives a leader credibility, authority, and influence. During the 2016 campaign, Mr. Trump's petty attacks on his opponents and their families led many Republicans to conclude that he lacked such character. Other Republicans, including those who supported the former president's policies in office, said they could no longer, in good conscience, back him for the presidency. It's a job that requires the kind of character he just doesn't have, says Paul Ryan, former Republican House Speaker.