haqihana,
Yes, I'd agree that Reagan was the last leader; his presidency changed the whole arena of political argument. I regarded his leadership as dangerously detached from reality; however, we survived.
Don't get me started on Nixon. We are still living with the legacy of broken trust he left.
The important thing to note about the Clinton administration is, I think how very, very much his enemies loathe him. This caused and is still causing various over-reactions.
The first over-reaction was the whole impeachment trial, where the Republican Congress crippled Clinton for a year but made themselves look petty and vindictive, and the second over-reaction is playing out in the McCain candidacy. McCain is the anti-Clinton candidate, just as Carter was the anti-Nixon candidate.
When looking at a presidential candidate, I think you need to ask first "Can he lead?", then "Can he govern?". You need a president who can do both, who can set a clear direction, be trusted enough by his allies and not hated too much by his enemies.
GW might be able to govern, but I don't see evidence that he can lead. McCain can probably lead, but I don't know if he can govern.
BTW, where is this uncontrollable temper you mention? If he has one, I think we'll see it on campaign. And what are you talking about w.r.t. his wife? |
