Before you tune into the Republican presidential debate(s) tonight, before the pundits declare winners and losers, before the morning news shows roll the highlight reel of testy exchanges, gaffes, zingers, and awkward silences—stop!
Pause for a moment to consider not who you are rooting for, not who is most entertaining. Rather, consider the indispensable qualities of a president.
What does the chief executive need to do well? What is most important?
In the newest Tavern Debate, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison mull over the ideal qualities for political candidates.
Article II, Section II of the Constitution paints the duties of the president with a broad brush: he (or she) is commander in chief of the military, makes treaties and appointments (with the advice and consent of the Senate), and “takes care that the laws be faithfully executed.”
“Take care,” eh? It seems downright quaint today. We know how complicated the duties of the office have become, not to mention how much power has found its way into that branch of government, for good or ill. Our expectations are knotted up with real experience.
Still, we should strive for some idealism about our leaders, and we should take responsibility for who we pick. The words of Joseph de Maistre ring true: “Every nation has the government it deserves.”
What characteristics are at the top of your list? Assertiveness? Honesty? Compassion? Share your thoughts!
[…] speaking of the debates and Madison, here the good folks at Colonial Williamsburg have put together a tavern conversation between Jefferson and Madison about what we should look for in a president. (One quibble: There are […]