"Doris Kearns Goodwin, you’ve been thinking and writing and talking about attributes, traits that we look for in our commander in chief, our presidents. And this is the list so far, a work in progress: They have withstood adversity, they have diverse perspectives around them, they have a sense of loyalty, they’re not afraid to admit mistakes, they know how to manage their emotions, they can define the goals for the country, and they know how to relax."
I'm not sure I agree on everything. The traits of a great President, in my book, include: a clear sense of direction that guides policy and overrides personality; Biblical values that are expressed in unconventional policy decisions and a strong commitment to faith in one's personal life; humility; oratorical skill. I agree on withstanding adversity, admitting mistakes, having diverse opinions around them, and goals, but loyalty, managing emotions, and knowing how to relax don't fit the bill to me. Loyalty can be a fault in a great politician -- it depends who or what the person is loyal to. Managing emotions seems like so much psychobabble to me. Every President will have to handle their emotions, but what does "managing emotions" mean, and how can it be measured? Knowing how to relax may be useful for someone with such a stress-filled job, and it does make for memorable historical figures, but there are plenty of other characteristics that are probably more important in making a President great. I think President Taft probably had a hobby or two. My historical sense is not as fine-tuned as Doris Kearns Goodwin, I'm sure, but I'm entitled to my two cents, I suppose. Any other thoughts out there?
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