Lessons From Presidents Past

I agree that it is miraculous that America seems to turn to superb leaders just when we need them most. But does this always mean we pick the best men for the job, or that these fine people rise to the challenge when we need them most?

In other words, does the man make the job or does the job make the man? Or are we blessed with such talented aspirants for these jobs that it's hard to go wrong? The jury of history is still out. Let's at least hope that the trend continues; we need lightning to strike again to save our economy!

I'd like to say that there is something inevitable in democracy that brings great leaders to the fore. But I could point to some notable flops: [President James] Buchanan, who let the sectional crisis grow until civil war became inevitable; [President Herbert] Hoover, who let two and a half years go by with the country falling deeper and deeper into recession.

My conclusion is that America is very resilient; it can survive a lot, until the right person eventually comes along to turn things around.

Will Obama be a Buchanan or a Lincoln? A Hoover or a Roosevelt? He seems to understand the kind of leadership the country requires. But we'll have to wait and see whether he can pull it off.