Is It Realistic,

[seapower]

With today's "instant" media, to expect that any Presidential Candidate NOT to have some dirt in his/her past? With today's inter-net communiction, I just don't see it happening. I am not defending Herman Cain's accusation's, but there's really no man (and most women) that I know that could pass the scutiny. People sue in court (and win) on thing's that wouldn't even have gotten you detention back in High School. I am afraid that this much "sweaky clean" expection's just aren't realistic. I don't know what this mean's for Cain's running. Now that Gloria Allred I am much more to dismiss the charge's. Once again I am not standing up for sexual harassment, but it's getting to be a circus every 4 year's, instead of a Presidential Election. Frank

[Avenger]

Call me crazy, but I'd like to think that the guy who swears an oath to uphold the constitution is a man of his word and has good moral character. Not that I honestly think you're going to find that in a politician, but it would be a pretty refreshing change.

That being said, I do question what we choose to focus on. For example, Rick Perry's campaign stalled when a pastor, not his pastor mind you, but some guy who did the introduction at one of a hundred speeches the guy has made called Mormonism a cult. The media flew into a frenzy, and it came down to, "Perry didn't distance himself from it fast enough." And Perry's number fizzled.

Let's think for a second..... this is the same public that completely ignored the Reverand Jeremiah Wright. Hmmm....

[seapower]

I too would love to have a President above reproach. That said, any man that say's he's never committed an act that is questionable (even prosocuteable) is either lying, paid hush money, or simply hasn't got caught. About the only President that I would even come close to saying was above reproach was Jimmy Carter. Alot of folk's weren't thrilled with his time in Office. The name's of President's with less than stellar personal live's, have made some of our most loved. Frank

[Avenger]

That will lead us into a debate that neither of us has time for. My point was more about the media's influence and the fact that the "masses" are so G-D dumb that they'll fall for whatever boogeyman the media throws up at that moment.

All of this comes down to "Where do you draw the line." Is a BJ sex? Because I promise you if you get arrested for solicitation, the claim that the president said "I did not have sex with that woman" therefore a BJ is not sex, will not get you an acquittal. Clinton supporters thought it was private business. Opponents thought it was a crime. Personally, if the guy couldn't uphold a vow to his own wife how can I expect him to uphold a vow to the constitution?

We have to get our act together on what is acceptable human error. We're supposed to learn from our mistakes, so I'm willing to accept some missteps if they're not egregious or repeated. While I'm not thrilled with Cain, I'd like to hear some actual facts instead of "some woman accuses him of." Look at the KGB video. When somebody opposed them they never refuted facts, it was flat out character assasination. Hmmm...

I'd like to see us make a decision based on some reality instead if what the media tells us to think.

[marine4003]

good points,both..but look at the job..who in there right mind would want it,intense public scrutiny,100 hour work weeks,under a microscope 24/7. i think it used to be a noble calling,someone who was a true leader,and wanted to make a change,better our lives..but its morphed into nothing more than blown up ego's wanting power.and as we have seen most of the last 5 presidents have been liars,cheaters and willing to bow for the dollar.the last ethical president was jimmy carter, and people said he was lame duck,not really,he just didnt do the DC schuffle,. So it should come as no surprise these guys/gals have skeletons.and the good guys realize it's not worth it and bow out.

[seapower]

Avenger, I would like to think that the "Leader" of this Country would be just that a "Leader". I've often wondered why a guy would spend million's, for a job that pay's thousand's. I think Marine is getting pretty close. Framl

[Glenn W]

Well said, in part Marine.
However, as much as it hurts those of us that are dissatisfied with much of what our elected political leaders do, and as convienent as it is to poke ridicule at "polititians" in general, it has been my experience that the vast majority of elected political leaders genuinly have the best interest of their locality, state, or country at heart. Clearly we may not agree with their philosophies or approaches, but I truly believe thsat the vast majority of elected officials are in politics because they feel they can effectively lead and have better ideas/abilities than others.
Does this mean that most politians are not on ego or power trips?--of course not. Knowing many of the readers on this board, I can say that the majority of us are type "A" personalities with egos up in the stratosphere ourselves. I don't consider this a fault per se, but rather a trait of almost every leader.
Are there some sleaze bags in politics?--- hell yea. But, I believe the vast majority are serving the public because they feel they can lead better than the next guy---- traits of leadership are a fact of life.
As such, unless intgrety or clear social morals are at issue, I prefer to not accuse polititians of personality faults, as the very traits often cited are those required (and exist) for virtually every leader.
With regards to Jimmy Carter, there is no doubt about his integrity, motives, and desires. It was a shame that times were what they were when he was in office, but I'm afraid he just never was the type to make a great president.

[seapower]

Just who are you accussing of having a Type "A" personality, why I oughta.................. Ah never mind, guilty as charged! Frank

[longfisher]

I couldn't agree more about Carter.

He was and is a man of great moral fiber, especially when he says that Israel in an aparthied state.

LF

[worldcat lemon]

the Worldcat Lemon should throw his hat in the mix for president. At least he is persistent, consistent, and tenacious?????


WCL for Pres..............................."A Lemon is a true pucker upper"