Son,

This is a redraft of a previous post.  The previous post focused on Ron Paul – but while writing that post I realized there are bigger issues at stake.

Ron Paul is running for the Republican nomination for President of the United States. ON the surface it seems entirely remarkable that this man of little logic is having so much success, both in admiring fans and his ability to raise money. He is worth looking at – not because of his ideas – but because of why people would choose to follow him.

His success is a direct reflection of the discontent over the George W. Bush Administration. Even the right wing zealots are dismayed. Ron Paul offers such drastic change – while remaining Republican – that he offers hope to the downtrodden.

The extraordinary failures of the Bush foreign policy have caused a slingshot or pendulum affect – people are ready to jump to the other extreme. The Ron Paul advocates correctly assess that our country is totally disrespected in the world. They correctly assess that nation building in Iraq is foolish. They correctly assess that stubborn arrogance alienates our fellow man. But they incorrectly believe that another form of extremism is the solution.

George Bush defies logic. But so does Ron Paul. George Bush has proven that carefully choosing a President is the single most important responsibility of American citizens. We cannot afford to get this choice wrong; the consequences are enormous.

2008 will be one of the most important elections in our history. We need a voice of reason and stability in the White House. There are several good candidates – from seasoned politician to those with the audacity of hope.

I like John McCain, Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and I am taking a hard look at John Edwards and Mike Huckabee. Huckabee is the least attractive of these.

What are the qualities necessary for our next leader? Intellect is certainly useful – that would be a stark contrast to King George II. Solid values in humanity are requisite. Willingness to compromise and work with others will be paramount. The ability to articulate problems and solutions will serve to clarify and bring folks together behind important causes.

Readers – aside from personality – what are the necessary qualities of an American President?

Dad