John McCain: What Went Wrong?

[RobH4413]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

On the whole, the Dems are bigger pussies than the Republicans. Don't get me wrong, the Republicans have just as many flaws as the Dems, but when it comes to the wuss factor, the Dems have that market cornered. The Dems have been fighting that "wuss" label for decades....and for good reason.

For example, Clinton was the consummate Dem - he'd do anything for a few points in the polls (e.g., he actually had his minions do a poll on where he should vacation). Bush, on the other hand, could care less what is in the polls and will do whatever he thinks is right - no matter how wrong he is. Republicans are more principled in my mind, even though I disagree with most of their principles.

What you call "wuss factor" I call understanding what kind of leadership role someone has accepted.

As a representative to lead this country, once your elected as president does that mean ignoring American opinion, and relying on the fact that you've been elected because of who you are, and that's how you'll lead.

For instance, if an issue such as making the Redskins the only team without a salary cap arouse to the president what is he to do?

Does he pay attention to what the country wants; ie using the polls to influence what his policy on the issue is going to be, or does he hold fast believing that the country elected him to make decisions, and he must make the decision that he thinks is right.

It's often a gray line politicians must balance, making policy based on there ideals vs. basing policy on what the people want. As is most cases, the best probably lies somewhere in between.

The president has been elected to represent the people, and the only real way that I know to understand what people want is by paying attention to polls.

The example you highligted points out something that isn't really a shocker. Bush relies on his "gut" to make decisions, as opposed Clinton who took into account what the country actually wanted. I guess your right, that's pretty "wussy".