Qualifications for any President

[dtotire]

A column in today's WP by Eugene Robinson:

When I look at what the next president will have to deal with, I don't see much that can be solved with just a winning smile, a firm handshake and a ton of resolve. I see conundrums, dilemmas, quandaries, impasses, gnarly thickets of fateful possibility with no obvious way out. Iraq is the obvious place he or she will have to start; I want a president smart enough to figure out how to minimize the damage.
I want a president who reads newspapers, who reads books other than those that confirm his worldview, who bones up on Persian history before deciding how to deal with Iran's ambitious dreams of glory. I want a president who understands the relationship between energy policy at home and U.S. interests in the Middle East -- and who's smart enough to form his or her own opinions, not just rely on what old friends in the oil business say.
I want a president who looks forward to policy meetings on health care and has ideas to throw into the mix.
I want a president who believes in empirical fact, whose understanding of spirituality is complete enough to know that faith is "the evidence of things not seen" and who knows that for things that can be seen, the relevant evidence is fact, not belief. I want a president -- and it's amazing that I even have to put this on my wish list -- smart enough to know that Darwin was right.
Read the rest here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/31/AR2007053101851.html

I fully concur with these statements

[gatorboy]

1. And regardless of what the Repugs say.

We NEED a thinker. You want to fuck us up deeper? Elect another friggin' actor (I'm looking at you, Fred) who will probably fill his cabinet with Bush's scraps.

[Phredicles]

2. Some days I'd settle for one who doesn't fling his feces at

those who disagree with his Deciding. Recommended, in any case.

[BlooInBloo]

3. If only Americans felt something other than contempt for intellect.

[tandot]

4. The only qualifications for Republicans is apparently that he is an actor

If he puts on a good act, they'll completely and blindly support him...even if he is lying his ass off

[peaches2003]

6. Law and Order

I do believe the majority of Repugs who are now in love with Fred Thompson don't know a thing about him. They think he is the tough DA on L&O and that is all they care about. They want no more than someone who says he'll protect them from those durn 'terra'ists.

[tandot]

9. Yes, it is pretty scary that these people confuse acting with reality

He could sell them shit-sandwiches as delicacy and they'd buy it.

[Arkansas Granny]

14. I can't tell you how many times I heard people swoon over Reagan

saying how much charisma he had and I just wanted to scream at them "HE'S AN ACTOR! OF COURSE HE HAS CHARISMA, THAT WAS HIS PROFESSION!" I guess as long as someone can act presidential, they will believe he is presidential.

[Nay]

19. I know, Granny. That same thing has driven me mad for years.

"He's an ACTOR, for Christ's sake! That's how he was able to push your buttons!"

I don't know how many times I said that to idiot Reagan worshippers, and they still love the moron. They thought he was smart even when, in his second term, he was obviously in the grip of dementia. It makes me throw up my hands.

[peaches2003]

5. Interest in Public Policy and not just politics

I want a well-read and inquisitive President who is interested in public policy theories and solutions. I want one who is not tied to industry (we need public financing of elections) and one who does not consider his office as no more than a cash cow for his cronies. I want one who demands good performance from all in his Administration and nominates because of skill and not loyalty. I want one who will fire non-performers and do it quickly w/out excuses.

And that is just the beginning.

[JAYJDF]

7. I was hoping you were going to list real measurable qualities.

Like an IQ of some minimum.

Like must have served in the military.

[gatorboy]

8. Military service is a priority for domestic policies?

[Clark2008]

16. No - but it's helpful in national security and foreign policy.

I wouldn't call it a "requirement" of mine (and I don't think it should be), but it's helpful.

[sarge43]

17. Unless s/he is a career type with flag rank like Clark, s/he

wouldn't know any more about national security and foreign policy than any well informed and educated civilian.

[sarge43]

15. Why must s/he have served in the military? n/t

[sam sarrha]

10. he should have an IQ of at least 95

[dtotire]

12. 95 IQ?

Are you kidding? There are hundred thousands of people with IQ's over 130, which would put them in the top 2%. However, they should also have the maturity and experience and temperament. This should be the requirement for anyone seeking higher office.

[sam sarrha]

18. Bu$h's is 90

[Uncle Joe]

11. I totally agree, best column from WP, I read in a long time.

Thanks for the thread dtortire

Kicked and recommended

[dtotire]

13. Express your appreciation to Gene Robinson n/t