If the Presidential Election Were Held Tomorrow, I'd Shoot Myself

The most amazing thing happened yesterday.

I ran into a registered Republican who was not running for president.

In case you've just joined us, the Democratic nomination appears to be sewn up by the scandal-surfing Hillary Clinton.

The Republican side is a clown car with no less than sixteen notables clamoring for attention and votes in Iowa and New Hampshire.

There's not a baggage-free statesman or stateswoman in the bunch.

In years past, Americans of either political party could turn to a highly respected individual--Dwight Eisenhower comes to mind--and essentially hand him the presidency.

So the question arises: Is there any Democrat substantial enough and respected enough to be drafted to run against Clinton?

Or is there a Republican who can overcome the Democratic lock on the Electoral College?

On the Republican side, it would be wonderful if we could lock all sixteen of the candidates in a room somewhere and not let them out until they've chosen one of their own to be the nominee.

This would avoid the Romney-esque bloodying of the eventual candidate, both by members of his own party in the primaries and by the Democrats prior to the conventions.

But since that's not going to happen, to whom could the Republican Party turn as a respected, non-politician alternative?

Today, the people who are respected the most are no longer military leaders like Eisenhower or Patton, broadcasters like Walter Cronkite, or even athletes who transcended their sports, like Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson.

Today, we admire people who make money.

Online surveys indicate that Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, and Oprah Winfrey are the most admired people in society.

But admired isn't the same as respected.

I can admire Brad Pitt's acting. But I wouldn't want to see him anywhere near the Oval Office, unless he's getting a tour.

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are the most admired in the world of business and finance.

But would we really want them running the country?

You could make the case that they already do, but still.

So the question remains: Is there anyone in society whom we respect enough to draft as a
presidential candidate?

Any educators, military leaders, business people, athletes, broadcasters, or, hell, ice skaters who command not just admiration or envy but actual respect?

Surely you would think there would be such a person, or perhaps many such people, in a country of more than 310 million souls.

Quite frankly, you would be wrong.

If there is any such universally respected individual--not named Condoleezza Rice or Colin Powell--some person who has not been involved with the political process in any fashion, I cannot think of him or her.

So I guess we're stuck.

Another Bush.

Another Clinton.

Another eight years of mediocrity.

I never thought I would quote Jimmy Carter, but here it goes. Why not the best?

Perhaps because "the best" wouldn't go near politics, which leaves with, alas, the candidates we're saddled with now.

May the least worst one win.