Any weakness in the presidential selection process has an impact on investment decisions as we see today in the bold efforts at comprehensive tax reform that would not have been possible during Obama's time. I've earlier questioned Tom Steyer's motives for impeachment now since this might just be the second step in a presidential bid.
In 1984 to a government 1 class I suggested for its group project a search for a qualified presidential candidate. They bought it and had a great time raising money (yes, I joined them for a car wash), and they took out an add in the Wall Street Journal for a chief executive, four year job, $450,000 a year, all perks. Must be a U.S. born citizen over 35. No specification of the actual job. Because I was dating a newspaper reporter, I met the Sacramento reporter for the AP and made sure he attended a press conference the class held in the Governor's Press Room. National coverage thus assured.
We had some interesting responses. The Secretary/Assistant for the CEO of an internationally known perfume manufacturer wrote: "this sounds like the kind of position my boss would like." Once it became known we were looking for a qualified president there were additional repercussions. A six-year old girl was interviewed by a Southern California TV station since she wanted to be the first female president. A publicist/agent for four Hollywood movie stars sent their pictures, but they would not put themselves through the vetting process that was devised for the class. In discussions with the agent he explained, "regarding sex, our clients will never unzip their trousers unless the deal is guaranteed." Oh were that always true.
Of the three finalists, one was a mid-sized bank CEO who had to drop out because he had another "real" interview and couldn't meet the already scheduled press conference for our contestants. Another, a radical feminist was really angry at men and turned off even the women in the class. Their ultimate favorite was a janitor who worked at Indiana State University. During his press conference he was asked a question I will reveal after a digression.
As a military man you will remember, acutely, better than I the Lebanon invasion during the Reagan Administration. As I remember it from news accounts our WWII un-mothballed battleships were hurling shells of Model T weight into the hills. But for some reason the Army or Marine (which is hard to believe), used different mapping coordinates and the shells often landed where they weren't intended by the trackers. Naturally, the locals didn't like it and did not help the US soldiers on the ground by killing one or another of them. Reagan said in a press conference, "they're just trying to test my determination." Later, with a smile on his face, some Lebanese drove a truckload of explosives into the barracks where 241 of our troops were killed. We retreated shortly thereafter.
Our janitor pick for president was asked how he would use the marines to protect Israel. "I'm all for sending our troops to defend Israel within Israel at their northern border." Reminds me of Nasruddin again.
The class started at 8:00 a.m. On Wednesdays they had free time for the group project. When I got there at 8:00 they had already assembled at 7:00.
Since I have some experience in soliciting from the people a candidate qualified for President, what do you think of Paul Rieckhoff, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America? I've seen him in TV when he spoke for Vote Vets. He is really articulate and I think well versed in defending Progressive values. Though pleasant enough in aspect and demeanor, he looks like any tank which ran into him would be damaged. He's the kind of guy who when Trump does his manly pull of a handshake would end up being thrown over Paul's shoulder, if he wanted.
What do you say, my sacred brain trust?
In 1984 to a government 1 class I suggested for its group project a search for a qualified presidential candidate. They bought it and had a great time raising money (yes, I joined them for a car wash), and they took out an add in the Wall Street Journal for a chief executive, four year job, $450,000 a year, all perks. Must be a U.S. born citizen over 35. No specification of the actual job. Because I was dating a newspaper reporter, I met the Sacramento reporter for the AP and made sure he attended a press conference the class held in the Governor's Press Room. National coverage thus assured.
We had some interesting responses. The Secretary/Assistant for the CEO of an internationally known perfume manufacturer wrote: "this sounds like the kind of position my boss would like." Once it became known we were looking for a qualified president there were additional repercussions. A six-year old girl was interviewed by a Southern California TV station since she wanted to be the first female president. A publicist/agent for four Hollywood movie stars sent their pictures, but they would not put themselves through the vetting process that was devised for the class. In discussions with the agent he explained, "regarding sex, our clients will never unzip their trousers unless the deal is guaranteed." Oh were that always true.
Of the three finalists, one was a mid-sized bank CEO who had to drop out because he had another "real" interview and couldn't meet the already scheduled press conference for our contestants. Another, a radical feminist was really angry at men and turned off even the women in the class. Their ultimate favorite was a janitor who worked at Indiana State University. During his press conference he was asked a question I will reveal after a digression.
As a military man you will remember, acutely, better than I the Lebanon invasion during the Reagan Administration. As I remember it from news accounts our WWII un-mothballed battleships were hurling shells of Model T weight into the hills. But for some reason the Army or Marine (which is hard to believe), used different mapping coordinates and the shells often landed where they weren't intended by the trackers. Naturally, the locals didn't like it and did not help the US soldiers on the ground by killing one or another of them. Reagan said in a press conference, "they're just trying to test my determination." Later, with a smile on his face, some Lebanese drove a truckload of explosives into the barracks where 241 of our troops were killed. We retreated shortly thereafter.
Our janitor pick for president was asked how he would use the marines to protect Israel. "I'm all for sending our troops to defend Israel within Israel at their northern border." Reminds me of Nasruddin again.
The class started at 8:00 a.m. On Wednesdays they had free time for the group project. When I got there at 8:00 they had already assembled at 7:00.
Since I have some experience in soliciting from the people a candidate qualified for President, what do you think of Paul Rieckhoff, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America? I've seen him in TV when he spoke for Vote Vets. He is really articulate and I think well versed in defending Progressive values. Though pleasant enough in aspect and demeanor, he looks like any tank which ran into him would be damaged. He's the kind of guy who when Trump does his manly pull of a handshake would end up being thrown over Paul's shoulder, if he wanted.
What do you say, my sacred brain trust?
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