Being a Political Science major, the amount of assigned readings can be daunting. Thankfully, the majority of it is quite interesting. This little snip I recently skimmed illustrates how gaining/maintaining public support seems impossible.

The book is entitled Presidential Leadership, Co-authored by George Edwards and Stephen Wayne...
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1. We expect the president to be a leader, an independent figure who speaks out and takes stands on issues, even if their views are unpopular, and to act quickly.

but... we expect the chief executive to be responsive to public opinion and constrained by majority rule.

2. We expect our presidents to be open-minded politicians in the American tradition, and thus exhibit flexibility and willingness to compromise on policy differences.

but... we expect presidents to be decisive and take firm and consistent stands on the issues.

3. We want the president to be a statesman, to place the country's interest ahead of politics.

but... we also want a skilled politician who exercises loyalty to his political party.

4. We like our presidents to run open administrations. We expect a free flow of ideas within the governing circles in Washington, and we want the workings of government to be visible, not sheltered behind closed doors.

but... we want to feel that the president is in control of things and provide a rudder for government. If presidents allow internal dissent among their aids to become visible to the public, critics will complain that the White House is in disarray. If they attempt to stifle dissent or conceal it from the public, they will be accused of being isolated, undemocratic, unable to accept criticism, and desirous of muzzling opposition.

5. Finally, we want our presidents to be able to relate to the average person in order to inspire confidence in the White House and promote compassion and concern for the typical citizen.

but... We also expect the president to be above the crowd, to possess characteristics far different from our own and to act in ways that are beyond the capabilities of most of us. We also expect the president to act with a special dignity, befitting the leader of the country.


[U]
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I suppose I'm guilty of most of these contradictory expectations.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

I expect the president to understand the constitution and embrace the original intent of each of the articles of the adopted bill of rights. I expect that he/she guide the nation with the principles of individual freedom, responsibility and self sufficiency and the will to protect them foremost in his/her mind and heart. I expect that president to reject any ideology or policy which runs contrary to those principles.

Me too. I've also come to realize that a majority of voters do not share our expectations, so we get to choose between a big-government candidate or another big-government candidate.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

Q: How do you get a Political Science graduate off your doorstep?
A: Pay for the pizza.

What does one do with a Poli Sci degree these days?

The President, as well as each member of Congress takes an oath to "preserve, defend and protect the Constitution..."
Based ontheir failures to do exactly that, they could/should all be impeached.

More proof that the Constitution is irrelevant.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

NO, we just have not yet reached that point when we say, "well, when all else fails, read the directions". People just have failed to follow the directions for awhile. A lot of the problem (and the government-but i repeat myself) go away if we follow the directions.

Perfect.

Perfectly UNelectable.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

I agree with this....the pendulum just hasn't started swaying the other way yet.

That's a good one... though don't expect a Dominos sign on my 300D anytimes soon.

I find its more about the piece of paper, who cares what it says on it. I am getting a Biz minor while I'm at it. I just wanted to study something I found interesting. What really matters is experience, experience, and experience...

Since I already have a good job, and gaining experience in managing all aspects of a medium sized corporation, I think I'll be okay. Perhaps some day if I want the brain damage I may make a go of political office myself, but probably not.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

X2, well said.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200