If you're a cynic, you probably don't believe anyone, especially presidential candidates on the eve of an election, do anything that isn't self-serving. You might even think that's the way things should be; individuals duking it out for superiority. It's what Ayn Rand believed. It's what Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan believe.
But it isn't leadership.
There's nothing like a natural disaster to test the depth of politicians' preference for small government. Whereas Romney might have asked Donna Vanzant if she had her insurance paid and talked about how his policies would reduce red tape and allow her to better plan for the next crisis, Obama got right in there and responded to her not as a citizen or a potential voter, but as a human being. The hug, the reassurances, the positive redirection might seem like little things, if you've never suffered a loss - but if you have, it can make all the difference.
I guarantee that Obama gained her vote that day. His empathetic response to victims of Sandy (and they are victims, through no fault of their own) has renewed a lot of support for him.
People will follow true leaders into the depths of hell, knowing their Commander in Chief has their back. You can only make that level of commitment and inspire that kind of devotion if you believe in something greater than yourself, grander than your own aspirations. It's too late when the crisis hits to think about preparation.
Leadership puts 100% of the people first in times of feast and famine; they are proactive, not laissez-faire in their approach. There's only one candidate for President who has a demonstrated ability to do that.
AND Obama shows where leaders get the hope they lead with - from their people. Amazing.
But it isn't leadership.
There's nothing like a natural disaster to test the depth of politicians' preference for small government. Whereas Romney might have asked Donna Vanzant if she had her insurance paid and talked about how his policies would reduce red tape and allow her to better plan for the next crisis, Obama got right in there and responded to her not as a citizen or a potential voter, but as a human being. The hug, the reassurances, the positive redirection might seem like little things, if you've never suffered a loss - but if you have, it can make all the difference.
I guarantee that Obama gained her vote that day. His empathetic response to victims of Sandy (and they are victims, through no fault of their own) has renewed a lot of support for him.
People will follow true leaders into the depths of hell, knowing their Commander in Chief has their back. You can only make that level of commitment and inspire that kind of devotion if you believe in something greater than yourself, grander than your own aspirations. It's too late when the crisis hits to think about preparation.
Leadership puts 100% of the people first in times of feast and famine; they are proactive, not laissez-faire in their approach. There's only one candidate for President who has a demonstrated ability to do that.
AND Obama shows where leaders get the hope they lead with - from their people. Amazing.
