Never before in memory has this nation been so eager to elect a new president. And with the beginnings of the campaign media circus still a year away, the actual contest for candidacy is clearly well underway behind party lines.
Americans, especially those politically disillusioned for the last seven years, are teeming with excitement for their new prospective heads of state. But as we’ve painfully learned under the illustrious George W. Bush, exuberance (cloaked as purpose and resolve) often predates an extreme lack of foresight. Voters must keep this lesson in mind for themselves during the coming months. Bolstering candidates-to-be because of race, gender or charisma is an extremely irresponsible game for voters and the media alike to play with the stakes this high.
In the process of electing candidates for 2008, we must transcend the draw of celebrity politicians and consider what is really best for this country. We need to look beyond the political sexiness of Clinton and Obama. This election cannot become a political game played out for TV ratings – it is far too important that each of the candidates be considered very seriously by the American people.
As a voter, like so many others today, who wants to see drastic changes in both executive policy and general competency in the next election, I am extremely hesitant to back candidates like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama for the presidency. Not because they are incompetent, but because their push for the presidency encompasses more than the desire for office itself. At a certain level, it is about being the first – the first female president or the first black president. This is a basis on which we should never elect a person to lead this country. It should always be because they are the best, the most experienced and the most accomplished. That is not to say that “firsts” will never happen, but they should happen as a consequence of all the right factors and qualities.
From a standpoint of experience, electability and potential, both Clinton and Obama would be ideal vice presidential candidates for the Democratic Party. Intelligent, forward thinking, relatively new leaders like themselves would best serve their country during this volatile time by gaining experience in office behind a seasoned politician with progressive ideas and a solid, time-tested record of accomplishment and service.
Here is my hope: When Al Gore steps into the national spotlight this month, winning an Oscar for his documentary An Inconvenient Truth, his push for the presidency will commence. Soon after, Obama will sign on as his vice presidential candidate and the progressive powerhouse will begin their unstoppable motion toward the White House. Let’s not forget, Gore has already been elected president once by popular vote, has eight years of experience in the executive and since has worked tirelessly to reform critical areas of national and international interest: energy policy and climate change. This is the type of individual we need to elect as our next president.
No matter who takes the reigns in 2008, the presidency will be a veritable rodeo – better to elect someone who has spent time in the saddle. If we, as a nation, can get beyond the hype and celebrity surrounding these potential candidates, we will see that the soundest course of action is probably not the one perpetuated by the media.
The pundits will inevitably point out that Gore isn’t charismatic. I say good. Look where charismatic leadership got us. You’ll also hear that Gore will never win because he’s an environmentalist. But that’s exactly why he should win. The long-term solutions to our national security and energy woes are inherently tied to the same nascent movements to address climate change and alternative energy policy that Gore is leading into the mainstream.
Furthermore, the Gore/Obama ticket would groom another young, sharp, idealistic leader for the job in the future. Obama will some day make a great presidential candidate, but that day is not one year away. He needs more time and experience to be the kind of president he has the potential to be.
As responsible, vigilant citizens, we have to reinforce our media defenses once the campaign circus rolls into our homes and onto our computer screens. The best votes will be cast by those who have critically considered the type of leadership this country needs in order to truly progress with solution-oriented action and sound judgment. Think about Al, people.
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