Running from America
James S. McKay-Published in the Middletown Press Newspaper in Connecticut

The President’s irritation during the first debate is understandable. After all he’s not used to being questioned. His campaign rallies ban anyone who is not a supporter. His government is filled with advisors who agree with him. Those who do not conform are shown the door or pushed aside.

Setting aside the fact that this type of exclusion is extraordinarily undemocratic for one who would hope to lead a democracy, there is a bigger problem. Listening to only one side makes for bad decisions. This President could have benefited greatly from paying greater heed to some of the more moderate voices in his administration like Colin Powell, General Shinseki, and Dick Clark. Had he done so, we might have avoided the quagmire that has become our occupation of Iraq.

The President’s distaste for disagreement now comes home to roost. Sixty-two million Americans could see it on his face and it didn’t look pretty. He now has political consequences for his impatience to match the practical consequences stemming from his failure to think through the policy decisions he has made. A picture speaks a thousand words, and the President’s appearance when confronted at the debate tells us a lot about his problems as an effective leader. It’s no wonder the world is impatient with him. It’s responding in kind to the way he has approached it from day one of his Presidency.