What's a leader?

[Jib 0]

For purposes of being a leader of a country, were you elected to be an extension of popular opinion, because the people had confidence in your ability to make the right call in spite of popular opinion if necessary or something else?

It strikes me that Clinton was rather concerned about popular opinion and Bush sticks by his guns.

For Gawain: Before Clinton was elected, I took a class on leadership and we read a lot about leaders being extensions of their constituents. I disagreed and its now 12 years later.

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the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

[Gawain 0]

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It strikes me that Clinton was rather concerned about popular opinion and Bush sticks by his guns.

Just by saying that though, those on the left side of the aisle are going to cry "loaded question!!".

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[billvon 3,109]

I'd rather have a leader who did what he believed was right. (Of course, a leader who believes in communism or ritual scarification of children is a big problem in that case.)

[nathaniel 0]

The first two categories are not exclusive, IMO.

nathaniel

My advice is to do what your parents did; get a job, sir. The bums will always lose. Do you hear me, Lebowski?

[freeflygoddess 0]

The problem of a leader doing what "he" thinks is right is no different from a dictatorship, the dicator does what "he" thinks is right, not what the people would want him to do.

It would be best to find a leader that does what they majority thinks is right for america. However the problem with that is everyone has different opinions, views and beliefs and so there will always be those out there that are not in agreement and those that just react to what they think is socially and politaclly acceptable, because they don't want to think forthemselves.

I think that we have the best system out of the world, as flawed it may be, it is still better than China.

[lawrocket 3]

Lots of people do what they think is right. But they can't get others to go along with them due to issues of personal charisma, etc.

Still others do what they think is right that everyone else knows is wrong. They are morons, not leaders.

I do not find rubberstamping anything to be leadership. I hand it to GWB - he staked his presidency on this Iraq war. Sayonara, dude.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[Jib 0]

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The problem of a leader doing what "he" thinks is right is no different from a dictatorship, the dicator does what "he" thinks is right, not what the people would want him to do.

No, a dictator does whatever he pleases. He wasn't elected and can't be impeached nor is he subject to the checks and balances of our three prong system.

Refining the question, do you elect someone because he's going to follow popular opinion or because you trust him to consider everything including popular opinion and "do the right thing?"

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the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

[diablopilot 2]

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What's a leader?

Follow me, I'll show ya'.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[BikerBabe 0]

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"do the right thing?"

But what does that mean?

What is the "right thing"?

See, that's why we have elections. If more people think a certain thing is "right", theoretically, the person running for office that also thinks that thing is "right" will get elected. So if the system is working correctly, your first two poll choices should be the exact same thing!

Of course, that's assuming the system works correctly. Meaning, voting processes aren't flawed, the electorate makes an effort to educate themselves on what the candidates think is "right", and the candidates themselves stick by it once elected.

Unfortunately, I think none of those things happen.

Never meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!

[AndyMan 7]

I voted that a leader is " Someone who does what he thinks is right?", but in all honesty that is only half the equasion. The other part, is that people must follow.

When people try to lead and nobody follows, we end up with characters like Don Quixote, or the whackos wearing tinfoil hats.

Clearly, you can't be a leader if nobody follows you.

If Bush is a leader why is the electorate in a constant and consistent state of abandonment?

Bush certainly has his vision. I respect him for that. However, I fault him for not communicating that vision to the people. As Americans continue to understand exactly what he is standing for, their support for him continues to shrink.

A leader must have followers. The legions following Bush are shrinking daily.

_Am

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You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.