What is the main lesson that Jerry learned in the short story "President Cleveland, Where Are You?" And what specific details from the text support this answer?

Jerry is a sympathetic character to readers because his shortcomings, as well as his strengths, are ones with which many readers can identify. Even adult readers can identify nostalgically with Jerry's youthful passion for collecting cards. Most readers like Jerry and want to see him gain maturity and correct his mistakes just as they would want a friend to do.

Explanation:

jerry's shame at his own selfishness leads him to act selflessly in the second part of the story. When Armand needs money to take his girlfriend to the prom, Jerry, knowing that their father has no extra money to give Armand, sells the one trading card he possesses that everyone wants. After selling the card to Rollie Tremaine, Jerry gives the money to Armand. This act shows that Jerry has matured and learned that helping his family is far more important than helping himself.

Roger and Jerry talk about Rollie Tremaine's getting a Grover Cleveland card. When Jerry first tells Roger how Rollie acquired the the card, Roger is upset and confused. But after a few moments, Jerry tells him that it was a genuine emergency, and Roger understands. Roger knows that Jerry would not have sold the Grover Cleveland card to Rollie Tremaine unless it were really important. The exact details are not necessary because Roger accepts Jerry's explanation. As the story ends, Jerry is not particularly happy about what he had to do. He is still "waiting for the good feeling to come." However, he knows that he had no other choice, and he does not regret giving up the Grover Cleveland card.

Based on the story, it is likely that Jerry would again sacrifice his own happiness or desires to help a family member in need. His shame and regret over not having done the right thing once—the feeling that he betrayed his family by acting selfishly—would likely outweigh any sadness or unhappiness he would experience over having to sacrifice his own wants again. The events of this story have taught Jerry what is important.