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“The single most important quality a president must have”

By David Gergen

     [Editor’s note: Gergen is one of Washington D.C.’s most senior and respected journalists and political observers. He’s written something here that’s so true, and makes so much sense, that it’s worth calling attention to. This op-ed, originally published on CNN, is copyrighted material; and to stay within the bounds of fair use, it is only excerpted here. It is recommended that you read his entire column here.] 

” … When I was a youngster, Dwight Eisenhower was in the White House. During his first campaign, voters overwhelmingly believed him both trustworthy and likable. … Eisenhower went on to serve two terms in the White House, enjoying, according to Gallup, an average approval rating of 65% — an astonishing number by today’s standards.

     “The years that followed, though, brought a cascade of lies from Washington, as we suffered through the Vietnam War and Watergate era. Within a decade, faith in the federal government as a whole dropped … [and] never fully rebounded … by 2015 — just before Trump took office — it had dropped again, … only 19% of Americans saying they trusted the federal government all or most of the time. Trump’s presidency, of course, deepened that lost trust. …
     “These things matter. A president cannot get big things done here at home unless he can marshal the support of a sizable majority of the people. … Nor can a president easily persuade other advanced nations to embrace controversial policies unless they believe he is a reliable friend. … I believe that the restoration of trust should be the single highest priority of our next president. Everything else will flow from there.

“Yes, it seems impossible to imagine such a reality if Trump is re-elected, particularly since he is the least honest president in recent memory. But here are three suggestions for a potential Joe Biden administration — and let’s hope against hope that the Republican Party at large is also listening:

     “First, our next president should set a new tone in the White House on day one, proclaiming that honesty, dignity and respect for others will be the new marching orders. …
     “Second, our next president needs every department to review and refresh its ethics codes and then require every new political appointee to attend no-nonsense briefings on what is in bounds and what is out of bounds. …
     “Third, our next president needs to review and overhaul those who now serve as inspectors general across the federal landscape. For decades, IGs have played the essential role of providing nonpartisan oversight of the federal government. …
     “In writing his magisterial biography of Harry Truman, historian David McCullough concluded that character is the single most important quality a president must have. I have learned over time that McCullough was right. Young men and women on a White House staff and working in government departments and agencies take their cues from their boss ….
     “So, the question before us is simple: Will the wise and the honest prevail over the next four years? The answer really rests with you, the voters. You are the ultimate stewards of our democracy.”

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  1. Where is the Love? #
    1

    I want to believe that Americans are wise and are better people that will vote for what is best for families, community, society and the world.

    It is disappointing to see how many Americans are not better than this, who have voted for Trump.

    Why?

    Trump represents the evil of selfishness, dishonesty, lying and the worst human qualities of all.

    Some so called Christians are voting for Trump.

    Why?

    I visited a Christian website and it was so un-Christian like, resorting to name calling of people who disagree with their “Christian” political beliefts?

    Why?

    I was honestly taken aback by the hateful postings. Who has taught and brainwashed these Christians into hating their fellow Americans? Is it brainwashing propaganda that these “Christians” hate people who are different in color, race and political beliefs? I don’t hate people I don’t agree with, but I do judge people who hate strangers and their fellow countrymen because of their beliefs, but hate? No.

    Are these self-labeled Christians taught to hate? Raised Christian I was taught to care about my neighbors, care about others and giving back. Selfishness was something I wasn’t taught.

    Torah states “Love your neighbor as yourself” Leviticus 19:18

    Christian Bible: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” King James Bible

    I pray for our country to heal, grow and come out of this quagmire to do the best, be the best that we Americans were taught to be.

    Amen