Sure, it's powerful and glamorous. But you have very very little free time. The expectations on you are enormous. There's always a party in opposition whose objectives include making you look like you're the worst decision the country ever made. You can't go anywhere or do anything without constant security and it being generally known and publicized. You would sleep about six hours a day. You would rarely get to watch your sports teams. Your full day's agenda is set out every single day - and most of it is work.
I'm glad we have some fairly talented people who want this job - but I think you'd have to be a little bit crazy. Maybe that's why we have had some presidents with borderline mental illness. But I suppose also that these guys are in that life for years by the time they're running for president, and it amounts to getting to the top - which motivates many people.
But so hypothetically, a genie appeared to you tomorrow morning and said "I can make you the President of the United States" tomorrow morning - for the next four years.
Sure, it's powerful and glamorous. But you have very very little free time. The expectations on you are enormous. There's always a party in opposition whose objectives include making you look like you're the worst decision the country ever made. You can't go anywhere or do anything without constant security and it being generally known and publicized. You would sleep about six hours a day. You would rarely get to watch your sports teams. Your full day's agenda is set out every single day - and most of it is work.
I'm glad we have some fairly talented people who want this job - but I think you'd have to be a little bit crazy. Maybe that's why we have had some presidents with borderline mental illness. But I suppose also that these guys are in that life for years by the time they're running for president, and it amounts to getting to the top - which motivates many people.
But so hypothetically, a genie appeared to you tomorrow morning and said "I can make you the President of the United States" tomorrow morning - for the next four years.
Would you say yes?
I'd rather be the CEO of a big bank. They make far, far more money, heheh. I'd work for a year and then retire. Being President is a four year commitment.
__________________
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Jesus is Awesome! Geaux Saints! Geaux Cajuns!
While I think I could do a good job in the oval office, the processes and stresses (personal and family) involved in being elected to that position (and staying there) are rather unpalatable to me.
And that, in and of itself, is an interesting commentary on our system, is it not!?
Not that I think there's a better way. Any system of government will be inherently flawed - as will be the people elected to high positions in our system of government. Understanding that is key to properly participating in the system (as a voter), methinks.
Sure, it's powerful and glamorous. But you have very very little free time. The expectations on you are enormous. There's always a party in opposition whose objectives include making you look like you're the worst decision the country ever made. You can't go anywhere or do anything without constant security and it being generally known and publicized. You would sleep about six hours a day. You would rarely get to watch your sports teams. Your full day's agenda is set out every single day - and most of it is work.
I'm glad we have some fairly talented people who want this job - but I think you'd have to be a little bit crazy. Maybe that's why we have had some presidents with borderline mental illness. But I suppose also that these guys are in that life for years by the time they're running for president, and it amounts to getting to the top - which motivates many people.
But so hypothetically, a genie appeared to you tomorrow morning and said "I can make you the President of the United States" tomorrow morning - for the next four years.
Would you say yes?
What is sad is that the most qualified people in the US to be president have no desire to do so. It is completely understandable.
If you were successful, why in the world would you expose yourself to the press (poporatsie) so as to be judged within their standards? Can´t think of a quicker way to ruin your life.
The only thing left is a true patriot who is willing to undergo that process to serve his country. Hence, the currently quality of the most recent candidates and incumbant.
In the last 30 years, the last president who was met that standard and moral conviction was Ronald Regan. (1981–89)
Bottom line. I would definitely say no. My wife and family are too important.
__________________ Occam's razor (Latinlex parsimoniae) is the law of parsimony, economy or succinctness. The principle urging one to select from among competing hypotheses that which makes the fewest assumptions.
Linear Mode
