Originally Posted By fkurucz While I think that ego is always a factor in deciding to run, I do believe that there have been Presidents who genuinely cared about the country's and its citizens well being, unlike today's crop of sociopaths who seem Hell bent on destroying the middle class and who are just itching to invade another country.
Originally Posted By SuperDry << Even if someone is that way, they will be painted by the opposition as greedy or egocentric, and most would believe. >> Can you give us an example?
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I think Jimmy Carter was pretty close to that. Unfortunately, when it comes right down to it most Americans don't want a humble president who is just trying to do the right thing.
Originally Posted By utahjosh <Can you give us an example?> Impossible. Any politician has already been painted as greedy or egocentric by the opposition, and there will always be someone to point it out. Because it takes a lot of money to run for high offices, those politicians are wealthy. The opposition can always accuse them of being greedy.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox <<Because it takes a lot of money to run for high offices, those politicians are wealthy. The opposition can always accuse them of being greedy.>> Spoken like a true follower of Mitt. Who, btw, is absolutely the poster child of greed.
Originally Posted By utahjosh Thank you for proving my point, skinnerbox. Also, anyone running for office can be accused of having a huge ego. There is no way to counter that accusation.
Originally Posted By SuperDry << There is no way to counter that accusation. >> Sure there is, through personal character and actions. Do you think anyone that accused Jimmy Carter of being greedy and selfish for their own political gain would get any traction? No, because Jimmy Carter's character and actions speak for themselves, whether or not you agree with his politics.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan I think it takes a certain amount of ego to run for president to begin with. Candidates tend not to be wallflowers. That's not always a bad thing -- we need a president with confidence. I think some presidents do a better job than others in keeping their ego in check. As much as I disagreed with most of his policies, Ronald Reagan was masterful in appearing to be something of an everyman when the situation called for it. I think Barack Obama has a similar ability. Both men had the ability to laugh at themselves as well. I'd probably include Bill Clinton and Kennedy in that mix as well, and Chris Christie too. The angry, thin-skinned types don't have that, and I think it comes through loud and clear (Palin, Cruz, McCain). When they try to be humorous, it usually comes off as pandering and phony and obvious. I think Rick Santorum would run for president from now until forever, because I think he truly believes every single thing he says. Which is scary because he says a lot of crazy crap.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan And yes, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford would both seem to be genuine folks, too.
