By Tobin Barnes“When I was a boy, I was told anyone could become President; I’m beginning to believe it.” That’s from Clarence Darrow, famous courtroom lawyer of the first half of the 20th Century.
The first half of the quote is comforting, bringing to mind each citizen’s theoretical equal standing before the law and, supposedly, the electorate. It’s a status we idealistically cherish.
The second half of the quote—the wit of the whole thing—is alarming. Indeed, it’s been heartily proven that, in fact, anyone COULD become President…and has.
It’s scary.
We’ve had some real lemons.
And how does that happen? Sometimes it’s a matter of money and influence. Oftentimes, it’s a matter of not only that but also hand-picked mediocrity.
Why hand-picked? Mediocrity doesn’t rock the boat. And established powers prefer stability. “Things are great, as far as we’re concerned. Let’s keep them that way.” Stick with what we know.
But what’s in it for the American people? Why opt for mediocrity? When did excellence become a dirty word?
Well, many prefer “what we know”—even those who reap no benefits garnered by those in the power establishment with all the money and influence.
For some reason, many Americans are attracted to the down-home and simple-minded. Complexity makes them nervous. Some vote for the candidate they see themselves in. A candidate they’d enjoy sharing a beer with down at the local bar. (I just saw a poll today based on whom you’d most like to watch a football game with.)
They think these types of candidates understand them and share their values. They think that politicians who seem like them would be better decision-makers. They’d be decisive, gosh darn it, not wimpy hand-wringers. These politicians could pull the trigger on any issue without blinking, no matter how deadly, based simply on common values we supposedly all hold dear.
Don’t need no fancy education, study, or book learning, for crying out loud.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
Just about anybody could do it—anybody down at that same local bar. Just rely on the lowest common denominator. Better yet, get one of those magic 8-balls and let that make your decisions.
I’ve had enough of the simple solutions. Things are way too complex for just “anyone” to handle. We don’t need average qualifications packaged into anti-intellectual smugness. Just as we treasure those who forge themselves into elite soldiers, we need elite leaders.
We need the best and the brightest we can find.
Our greatest Presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, the two Roosevelts, Truman—were not just “anyone” who fit some political bill. They were exceptional people who educated and prepared themselves to take on the onerous burdens of their times.
They didn’t blend in with fellow citizens, they stood out head and shoulders above them. Unlike the masses, they could think beyond the moment and the current crisis. They could shape the times, not let the times and simple prejudices shape them.
Oh sure, they could display a certain folksy air of conviviality when necessary. Many had the common touch. Abraham Lincoln was a master at that. Franklin Roosevelt was a charmer. Harry Truman spoke the common man’s lingo.
But few Americans ever fooled themselves into thinking these people were common or average or anyone down at the bar.
These leaders’ wells ran deep. There was nothing ordinary about their intellects. And though some did not have much formal education, they took the time and considerable effort not taken by the average man to become self-educated in all of the most complex issues of their day. They were all voracious readers and learners. They prided themselves in study. They didn’t deride it and make fun of it.
Let’s not settle for mediocrity anymore.
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