Would Sonny Corleone Have Made a Bad Don Why?
Long-term, eventually. Sonny Corleone demonstrated considerable competence while in charge of the Corleone Family for about two and a half to three years during the 1945 Five Families War. Although he was known for his hot temper, Sonny was indeed a capable wartime Mafia boss, effectively leading his caporegimes, Sal Tessio, and Peter Clemenza in a pivotal struggle against four rival families.
His leadership was a critical factor in the Corleone Family's victories, enabling them to gain control over the streets of New York City. However, this period of success was brief, as Sonny was eventually forced out of the Corleone Compound, tragically shot during the infamous ambush on the Jones Beach Causeway. Without the influence of Carlo Rizzi's treachery, history might have unfolded differently, allowing Sonny to consolidate his power and possibly rule the Corleone Family indefinitely.
However, the problem arises when wars come to an end. The Corleone Family needed someone who could navigate the complex landscape of peace and ensure their interests were protected without resorting to unnecessary violence. In crucial peacetime negotiations, a softer touch was required to achieve the desired outcomes. This was a role Vito Corleone understood very well, recognizing that his son Sonny lacked the necessary skills.
Vito had made the Corleone Family and the other Five Families a great deal of money over an extended period. However, he also knew that this required more than brute force and a willingness to fight. Instead, it demanded political acumen, the ability to negotiate, and a keen understanding of the needs and motivations of all parties involved. In this context, Vito famously referred to Tom Hagen as a bad consigliere but Sonny as a catastrophic choice as a Don. Vito recognized that the short-term gains of territorial expansion or profit through illicit activities were not enough.
The critical issue for any Don was not just gaining more territory or increasing profits but ensuring the opposition was satisfied with the agreements made. This meant making sure the rival families felt they had received a fair deal, thus preventing future conflicts. It also involved ensuring that any agreements were honored, as breaking such deals would lead to resentment and future confrontations. Vito’s leadership demonstrated these principles. With Tom Hagen as consigliere, negotiations could be conducted with finesse and political tact, ensuring that all parties left the table satisfied.
In stark contrast, Sonny’s impulsive nature and lack of self-control would have likely resulted in disastrous outcomes. His propensity for violence and his inability to use restraint would have disrupted any agreements and negotiations that required subtlety and diplomatic skill. This would have not only endangered the lives of his family members but also posed significant threats to the larger operations of the Corleone Family.
For instance, his reckless temper almost led to the disastrous incident involving Michael’s enlistment in the army. Sonny’s overreaction to what he perceived as a betrayal nearly brought down the family’s operations. If Sonny had been in charge for the long term, his volatile behavior would have made the family more susceptible to infighting and external threats, significantly undermining their position in the criminal underworld.
In conclusion, while Sonny Corleone was a capable and fierce wartime leader, his lack of self-control, impulsive temper, and basic judgment would have made him a potentially catastrophic Don. As the saying goes, different times call for different leaders. Vito’s foresight in recognizing Tom Hagen’s suitability for the consiglieri role underscored the importance of these qualities, ultimately ensuring the long-term stability and prosperity of the Corleone Family.