May Contain Peanuts

Face of the Nation

For those of you unaware (such as me 3 days ago), yesterday was 2008 Blog Action Day. The idea was that bloggers around the world would all write on a global topic to help spread ideas and awareness. In 2007, the theme was the environment, while this year, the topic is poverty. Well, as you can tell by the date up there above the headline, I am a little late. Not to make excuses, but I was busy helping my local automobile repair shop stay working in these times of 'financial crisis'. So, I guess I was somewhat doing my part against poverty. Well, no, not really, but to be honest, that's about as close as I get to actually being involved in things poverty related. It's sad and probably a bit irresponsible of me to not be addressing this vital issue of our global health, but hey, that's life. I have things to do. By things, I often mean watch TV.

Speaking of, besides yesterday being Blog Action Day, October 15th was also the host of the last of the three presidential debates before Election Day. Personally, I don't watch the debates. I know where the candidates stand and I am not a fan of awkward passive aggressive conversations or situations (which is why "Meet the Parents", etc. are loads of garbage disguised as entertainment, but that's another post). However, besides being a great drinking game, the debates can offer one vital insight into the next President. I did this prior to the article, but Joe Biden has some great advice:

“For this debate, for part of this next debate, do what I did for part of the last two debates. Literally, turn the sound off. I’m not being…I’m not joking now. Literally, turn the sound off. And just watch. Watch the body language of both men. You can sense it folks. You know it, when there’s a command [sic] presence. You know it when someone has the confidence and the certitude about himself and what he believes in.”

This is what I'd like to focus on today, the appearance and demeanor of our leader of our country. Back when our 'first black President' was in office, I (and the rest of our nation) felt comfortable that we had a competent, well-spoken, charming (too charming?), intelligent leader who we were proud to have as the spokesperson for our country. For the past 8 years, however, we have not. What we had was a layperson from an esteemed family who climbed the ropes of nepotism and broadbase appeal because of his similarities to the common man. Well, unfortunately he wasn't running for your local comptroller; this 'guy I'd like to have a beer with' WAS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. The one person who represents a nation of 300 million, the guy who is a reflection of the greatest country on Earth, the leader of the free world; he's a guy who is easily compared to 'the common man'. Well, I don't know about you, but I don't want a common man representing my fine nation, I want a standout leader who fit the ideal of a figurehead of a global power. I want THE MAN, not a man.

But enough about the past, let's focus on the future. Of our two current nominees, either would be a great step up from our current situation. However, when it comes to sheer presence, there is an obvious choice. One (that one?) stays cool and collected and though sometimes lets a few to many 'ums' leak out, he is an eloquent, eduacted statesman who is comfortable in a leading role. The other one, though perhaps just as intelligent, seems too often to let emotion get the best of him while under public scrutiny. One is young and in tune with the new generation, appealing to a new and expanding global identity. The other one is an old military veteran who is just finally getting around to discovering the joy of email. One plays basketball and is in ideal health, while the other has permanent physical injuries and whose health can be considered questionable at best.

As superficial as some of this may sound, it is actually an important issue to consider. I want a person in the Oval Office who appears worthy to be there. I want someone who is the face of my country to be a fitting representative thereof. I want a President that other presidents, monarchs or leaders also respect. I want a President who is honest and can address the people with confidence and intellect. The issues are a vital part of the election, but the people that surround the President will influence a lot of those decisions. What won't be influenced and will sit purely on the executive's shoulders is his appearance to the people. We need someone who is 100% focused mentally, physically and socially who can represent our diverse, yet united, top-tier population; someone who is in tune with both the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the domestic and the international.

I just don't understand the appeal of 'he's just like me'. I don't want a President (or VP) who is just like me. I want the best damn leader possible, in every facet of his job. And as a spokesperson of the USA, presence is crucial.