As many pundits have pointed out, Barack Obama surely must be too arrogant to be president.
It is easy to see this in action: one only has to visit the Obama campaign website to see bumper stickers for sale with his name on them, transcripts of Obama speeches, fawning photos of the senator with his family, and other shocking behaviors.
He speaks to his supporters by using the word “we”, which clearly means “I”.
He speaks to large crowds, instead of carefully selecting supporters for a "town hall" style discussion.
It even appears that he may be running for president because he is cocky enough to believe that he would make a good one. Or even that America's days of greatness may not be all in the past.
As a public service, I have attempted to lay out the areas in which this unbridled arrogance and self-confidence can be dangerous for the country:
--Foreign Affairs
As we all know, Leader of the Free World is a title that may be best conferred upon someone who doesn’t think very highly of their own abilities. The last thing we need during global conflicts or times of war is a president with confidence in their own judgment.
President Bush himself has demonstrated how best to handle issues of war: delegate decisions to the Vice-President, or try to rely upon commanders in the field of war for determining overall US policy and strategy. Bush also had the fascinating idea of appointing a “war Czar” to be commander-in-chief of the armed forces, although he was unfortunately unable to find anyone arrogant enough to take the position. This, however, is an idea that Senator McCain has also floated, and may serve him better than even our current president, who often appears a bit narcissistic himself. A war Czar is a great idea for a leader that understands they cannot be trusted with any power, or is perhaps simply too modest to order people around.
Senator McCain’s inconsistency and lack of good judgment on issues of foreign affairs have made the war Czar concept very appealing for a McCain administration, as a different commander-in-chief will certainly be needed. In fact, I would recommend that Senator Obama be appointed to this position in the event of a McCain win this fall.
--Outside Advice
As we have seen over the past few years, the pundit class in Washington is extremely intelligent, and is right about most things, time and again. If Obama were elected president, our nation may be in the dangerous situation of having a White House that does not listen to this accomplished and self-appointed group.
Imagine the setbacks our country would encounter if the sage words of such luminaries as Maureen Dowd or Charles Krauthammer were offered in vain.
While Senator McCain's arrogance and hubris is legendary, he has had the benefit of consistently being wrong. This will, of course, temper his arrogance until he realizes that he must listen to wiser Washington heads. Senator Obama, on the other hand, has been right too often, and may be correct on many issues again, severely limiting the possibility that he will suffer from debilitating weakness and indecision that would require him to look to the op-ed pages of the Washington Post for guidance.
--Economic issues
Especially in these tough economic times, we need a president who genuinely believes he is not very smart. John McCain has humbly pointed out his lack of grasp of economic theory, while Obama insists on promoting “plans” for getting the country back on track. The self-love obvious in Obama’s approach is simply disappointing
Senator Obama seems to be suggesting that a government can influence the economic condition of its own citizens, which as we all know is a radical idea. It is clear that the economic success of our democracy stems only from God himself. If we were to have a leader who believed he could improve the condition of the country, it may become more difficult to make large profits off government initiatives or to use corporate power to swindle the unimportant little people of their savings.
Obviously, that would not be in the best interest of shareholders. While it may be true that a well-regulated capitalist system is more stable and provides a safer investment haven than one that is simply ignored (as Republicans have been wise enough to do), corporate executives are less likely to profit personally, and this will have a very negative impact on their spending power, which will, in turn, drive down the economy.
--A nation of “whiners”
George W. Bush has worked very hard to help us become a nation of mediocrity. Our crumbling infrastructure has ensured that foreign investors keep their dirty money away from our shores.
Can we really afford a president who thinks they may someday be respected on the level of Kennedy or a Reagan? Someone who believes their leadership can make the country great? Mount Rushmore is full—so surely we have had our allotment of greatness. We should not dare to expect good leadership again, especially from someone who believes they can provide it.
In fact, should we really trust anyone to be president who dares believe they are qualified? Well yes, but only one who is as muddled and confused as the current Republican nominee.
Our days of greatness should be all behind us now. It is time for this proud nation to simply coast, to rest on its laurels, not to “change”, or “hope”, or to move forward. It is time to whine, not to work. We've been known for our arrogance too long to elect a president that could justify it.
--John McCain is just the person to stop this silly notion of progress and improvement.
A leader exuding awkardness and shame, not arrogance and intelligence, is just what we need today so that we can rest on our laurels, and enjoy the many fruits of our ancestors’ sacrifices.