Tuesday, February 19, 2008

From The Economist...

After the bitterness of the Bush years, America needs a dose of unity: Mr. Obama has a rare ability to deliver it. And the power of charisma should not be underrated, especially in the context of the American presidency which is, constitutionally, quite a weak office. The best presidents are like magnets below a piece of paper, invisibly aligning iron filings into a new pattern of their making. Anyone can get experts to produce policy papers. The trick is to forge consensus to get those policies enacted.


The article goes on to caution voters against Obama's lack of experience, but the above passage highlights the qualities that matter in a president. Realistically, presidents do not make policy. They may have strong influence over it, but the actual solutions to our nation's problems will be crafted by advisers, agencies, and Congress. The president's effect on policy is a function of his/her judgment and values, as well as their ability to negotiate and push through solutions that are both effective and politically palatable enough to muster the necessary support. So, rather than elaborate policy solutions, perhaps we should be focusing more on our candidates leadership skills, attitude towards the office of president, and what they perceive to be important issues.

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