Watching the Nevada Democratic Discussion, it becomes apparent that we expect our Presidents to be experts on every subject. They need to be economists, commanders, educators, visionaries, leaders, cheerleaders, serious-minded,and likable. They must command all issues and have well-reasoned positions for everything. On top of that, we shun change, abhor weakness, and decry dishonesty. We demand good looks, skinny ankles, and good teeth.
Perhaps it’s one of the reasons why so many Media Age presidents have been governors.
It’s an executive position. You’ve actually had a job (though on a smaller scale) that is similar to that of the President.
Sure, Kerry was wishy-washy. In many ways, that’s what a senator is supposed to be. A senator is SUPPOSED to vote for a bill in
subcommittee, just to vote against it on the Senate floor. It’s all about deal making and relationship building, there.
An executive is a very different thing than a committee member, even a committee leader.
Huckabee, Romney, and Giuliani are the only ones with real executive experience.
McCain has his military experience, of course, but there’s a world of difference between being a military officer leading even an infantry unit and being a governor in charge of even the least populated state in the Union. Even the governor of Wyoming is in charge of 479,743 people. There are 4-star generals in charge of multi-national coalitions who don’t have that number of people under them.
The office of President today is far more powerful than President Washington envisioned. I wonder if our first President had such expectations heaped upon him?
I don’t think George Washington had any idea it would grow this big. You are right one man can not be the best at everything. If you had to pick one thing that you want the president to be good at what would you choose? When choosing the president my first thought is America; The Safety of our Country and Citizens, Our Remaining The Number 1 Power in the World. We have to have an experienced leader not afraid of making hard decisions when called for. If our country and citizens are not safe, worrying about our economy and all the other problems will be obsolete.