When you consider this list of names, of course you will immediately recognize them:
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Harry S (he didn’t use a period) Truman
Dwight D. Eisenhower
John F. Kennedy
Lyndon B. Johnson
Richard M. Nixon
Gerald R. Ford
Jimmy Carter
Ronald Reagan
George H.W. Bush
Bill Clinton
George W. Bush
Barack Obama
Yes, you know the names of all the presidents of the United States from World War II till now.
How well have we chosen?
Many of these presidents faced war. Some served in peace. Some had economic challenges. Most of them encountered “surprises” that neither they nor we anticipated.
Fortunately, we have “survived” all these presidential tests so far. What’s next? Who is next?
Regardless of party, whether you voted for them or not, what is your opinion of our presidents’ performance, politics, philosophies, service and results?
Our opinions surely vary greatly. But as we evaluate them, shouldn’t we also evaluate our own judgment, as to whether we, as voters, chose well?
Have our presidents been “the best” people we could find in all of our country to lead the most wonderful, most powerful, richest and freest nation in the world?
There is disagreement, of course.
All of those choices were in the “past.” But very soon (time flies!), we will be in the midst of choosing candidates for the presidency. Candidates will offer themselves for election in 2012, to lead our nation from 2013 to 2017.
We expect President Obama, who is a Democrat, to seek a second term.
Who do you think will be the Republican presidential nominee?
It’s certainly not too soon for any serious contender to be presenting himself and lining up support, if he really expects to have a chance to win his party’s nomination, and then the presidency.
What names come to your mind?
Do you see men and women in whom you have great confidence, people of exemplary character, remarkable intelligence, tested experience, sound judgment, unusual wisdom, impressive philosophy and other desirable qualities that you would like our next president to have?
Expect a presidential election contest in 2012 between President Obama and ________ (you fill in the blank).
Now, look back at the list of presidents at the top of this column: How well have we chosen in the past?
How well will we choose in 2012?
Who?