John Quick was in full rehabilitation mode in his Jan. 24 Newsmax column, under the creepily gushy headline “Eric Greitens: The Unfinished Journey of a Resilient Leader”:
I recently sat down with Former Missouri GOP Gov. Eric Greitens, whose journey encompassed roles as a humanitarian, Navy SEAL and public servant. This conversation offered a compelling narrative about resilience, courage and leadership. His life’s work underscores the essence of service and the power of an individual’s commitment to societal betterment; here is a look at his life.
Greitens’ early humanitarian endeavors, particularly in war-torn regions like Bosnia and Rwanda, reveal a profound understanding of the human condition. His experiences in refugee camps, where he witnessed the indomitable spirit of children amid chaos, shaped his perspective on global issues and human suffering. This formative period laid the groundwork for his unwavering commitment to service and compassion.
[…]Post-military, Greitens continued his commitment to service through The Mission Continues, an initiative aiding veterans in finding new purpose in community leadership and involvement. This endeavor not only aids veterans in their transition to civilian life but also enriches communities with their skills and experiences. Greitens’ work here exemplifies how resilience can be channeled into positive community impact.
In his book “Strength & Compassion,” Greitens offers insights into the balance between strength and compassion, a duality that is essential for effective leadership.
[…]Amid the pervasive negativity in mainstream media, Greitens advocates for a focus on self-improvement and community involvement. His approach challenges individuals to rise above, fostering a culture of empowerment and positive action.
Greitens’ personal inspirations and aspirations, mainly influenced by his father and grandfather, offer a window into his values and character. His determination to be a positive force in his community and family life adds a personal dimension to his public persona, illustrating the intertwining of personal integrity with public service.
Quick made sure not to mention anything that conflicted with his narrative of Greitens having “personal integrity” — namely, the things he is most publicly known for. For starters, Greitens was accused of misusing a donor list from a nonprofit he once headed in his campaign for governor, and his campaign $178,000 over other misdeeds. Further, Greitens was accused by a woman he allegedly had an affair with of taking a photo of her in a compromising position for blackmail purposes. All of this forced Greitens to resign as governor in 2018, but that didn’t keep Newsmax and columnist Bernard Kerik from hyping his 2022 campaign for Senate. Then, Greitens’ ex-wife came forward with new allegations of domestic abuse, which caused even Newsmax to give up on him.
Rather than tell readers the full truth, Quick stuck to hagiography:
Greitens’ story is far from over. His resilience, leadership and compassion throughout his varied career are not just hallmarks of his past but harbingers of what is yet to come. As he continues on his path, it is evident that Greitens is not done shaping, serving and inspiring the world around him.
His narrative is a powerful reminder of the impact of resilience, leadership and compassion in shaping individual lives and the broader societal fabric. His journey from humanitarian worker to a Navy SEAL and a leader in community service embodies the spirit of service and the relentless pursuit of positive change.
As society faces complex challenges, Greitens’ story inspires us, reminding us that the strength to transform lives and communities lies in the heart of service and sacrifice.
As it so happens, Greitens has been a guest on Quick’s podcast, something else he didn’t tell readers about.