Sneak Peek

The theories of presidential leadership provide a sneak peek of Senator McCain’s presidential potential. Though extensive, we can narrow the characteristics of a great president and elaborate on the strengths that John McCain possesses. While not the most charismatic choice, McCain proves himself with commendable experience from serving his country over the past forty-eight years.

To better understand Senator McCain’s potential we must first look to his past. As the son and grandson of Navy officers, McCain followed in their steps. He always believed in a sense of service and duty. During his time with the Navy, McCain’s judgment never faltered. Furthermore, as Senator, McCain fought for issues regardless of his party line. He effortlessly transitioned from a rebel youth to a maverick Senator proving the old theory of; “you’ve-got-it-if-you-were-born-with-it”. John McCain undoubtedly comes from good stock and this strengthens his presidential appeal.

The presidency has become an all-powerful position and now requires an exceptional human being; more specifically the president must possess the hero quality. He must do what he believes is right. In Senator McCain we find a hero we can look up to. McCain says that he only served along side heroes during the Vietnam War; but his actions prove otherwise, notably his decision to stay in the Hanoi Hilton so others could be freed first. Furthermore, as a Senator he voted by conviction and was often criticized for standing up to his party, earning the name Maverick. On his campaign trail he proved himself again by saying he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war. McCain proves through his decision-making that he would make a great president because the population can find “doing the right thing” admirable.

Dissecting Senator McCain’s actions regarding public policy enlightens us to the potential leadership style of his presidency. McCain chooses his style through the decisions he makes. His vote for the troop surge in Iraq proved his competency to be Commander and Chief. He made the right decision at the right time compared to his opponent who voted against the surge that proved successful. Furthermore, McCain’s response to the conflict in Georgia received a great response when compared to his opponent’s unintelligible and washy statements. Through McCain’s decision-making we can assess his presidential potential; with strong and successful policy making; McCain proves he can get the job done.

All of Senator McCain’s experiences provide him with the ability to convey emotional intelligence. His decision-making can make the public feel that “this is the way it is supposed to be done”. McCain’s ability to do “what is right at the right time” enhances the potential of his emotional intelligence and therefore the possibility of becoming a great president.

A great president requires emotional intelligence and John McCain as mentioned above, shows promise in conveying such. Already in his campaign, McCain utilizes intelligence to improve his image with average Americans. While he can boast an Annapolis education, he has a street intelligence that allows him to effectively connect with the public. As his plane rightly says, “John McCain: straight talk express”. This ability to convey a street-wise intelligence lends itself to greater voter appeal than its scholarly counterpart. Part of McCain’s street feeling intelligence centers on his ability to reiterate his superior courage without appearing pompous. He emphasizes the record of his courage; from his military service to a strong independent voting record. McCain earns voter appreciation for telling it like it is and for doing what he knows is right.

Experience, courage and intelligence, are only a few ways that help the Americans decide who will make a great President. Thankfully, McCain left himself clean of scandal and moral struggles unlike many former presidents. This ability to remain politically clean helps the Senator reach out to the people as a voice and beacon of reform. McCain has been non-partisan and bucked his own party when necessary, proving to the people that he can be trusted to pursue good for all people.

Through this assessment of Senator McCain we find a man of courage, experience and strength; but these are merely a few pieces to the complicated puzzle that make up the American Presidency. We cannot know the type of president John McCain would become, but from his past we discover a sneak peek to his promising future.