The Next Presidential Election

It is not too early to begin thinking about the next presidential election. Senator Mitch McConnell is absolutely correct that the most important task confronting conservatives is to see that Barack Obama is not re-elected. As long as he is in office, he will prevent the imperative reforms needed to return us to prosperity and freedom.
It is, of course, important that groups like the tea party hold Republican feet to the fire. Efforts, even if not immediately successful, must be made to control the budget and dismantle ObamaCare. Excuses should not be tolerated, even if compromises are occasionally required.
But with regard to the next president, it is crucial that those who want responsible change, themselves be responsible. Too many of those who are disturbed by Obama have an unfortunate tendency to be almost as idealistic as he is. And make no mistake, it is his idealism that is among his greatest faults.
One of my previous books is called The Limits of Idealism. In it, I made the point that idealism is for the very young. In their inexperience and romanticism, they imagine that the world can become what is not possible. They, for instance, champion a complete equality that is neither feasible nor potentially beneficial.
Adults must learn the lesson of Clint Eastwood’s Harry Callahan. They, like Dirty Harry, must be aware that “a man’s got to know his limitations.” Despite its implicit sexism and personal orientation, this is advice that should apply to society as a whole. The world—including its political systems—are replete with limitations.
Dreams are good things, but if detached from reality, they have a way of leading us over a cliff. Our aspirations must therefore be tempered by what we learn is doable. Even when what we would like turns out to be fantasy, we need the courage and reasonableness to accept what we can attain.
Which brings me back to the impending presidential election. Sarah Palin is in many ways an admirable and much maligned person. Despite her detractors, she is intelligent and fairly well informed. Moreover, she cleverly and energetically expresses many of the opinions of those eager to dismantle the Obama legacy.
Unfortunately, former governor Palin has a serious drawback. She is egregiously inexperienced. Much like Obama himself, she has not been seasoned in the realities of governance. Having spent very little time in high office, much like him, she is not familiar with what can be done, or how it should be done.
What is needed is someone more like Ronald Reagan and not like Barry Goldwater. Goldwater was not the madman he was made out to be, and he very articulately expressed the views of many conservatives. But he was an idealist. Not for him the gradual improvements of the meliorist, but rather the broad strokes of the radical reformer.
Some thought Reagan was made from the same clay, but they were wrong. Although a very consequential president, he rarely went beyond what was practical. That meant he often settled for half a loaf, because he knew this was all he could get.
Reagan learned these lessons running a trade union and serving two terms as governor of California. In both capacities, he was successful. In both, he also learned the tools of his eventual trade. Reagan could give a stem-winder of a speech, but he also knew how to be an effective administrator.
Palin, and others of her idealistic ilk, also know how to be inspirational. This, of course, includes Obama, who in recent days has reconfirmed his rhetorical eminence. But being presidential means knowing how to do more than sound presidential. It entails pragmatic skills and knowledge grounded social facts.
It is for this reason that conservative activists must be careful. The Republicans have a strong bench that boasts many experienced leaders. It is from these that their eventual candidate should be chosen. Mere flash should not be the criteria. What is needed is substance. Given the magnitude of the problems we face, we need someone with the expertise and the gravitas to implement changes that work; changes that do more than merely sound good.
Melvyn L. Fein. Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology
Kennesaw State University