Roger L. Simon’s recent article pretty well sums up my view of the current political horse race for President. It’s long seemed obvious to me that we would have invaded Iraq regardless of who was president. Simon is correct: most of what a President does is shaped by historical, economic, and political forces beyond his or her control. Every President makes promises as a candidate that never materialize and they’ll all say almost anything to get elected. Every President launches bold new initiatives that fizzle. Every President surprises us, for good and bad. Most Presidents fight Congress, even when Congress is controlled by the same party. So I don’t worry too much about who gets elected. Their bad ideas won’t go too far and they’ll surprise us with at least a few good moves. No President wants to be the one who wrecks the economy, loses a war, or disgraces the office (even though many have come damn close). So be of good cheer and enjoy the political rhetoric or even ignore it. It’s the best show in town!
