The latest national polls are telling. Nearly a quarter of Republican voters, when asked who they favor in the primaries choose, “None of the Above.” Can anyone blame them? In what has generally been an exception to the rule, America finds itself in the midst of a difficult and trying time in its history without the kind of capable leadership that has so often found its way to the top.
The American Revolution was spurred by some of the most gifted minds in world political history – Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, Washington and others. The critical early years of the Republic were guided by their steady hands, and America was placed on an unlikely and unparalleled path to prosperity.
During the tumultuous frontier years, capable men like Andrew Jackson came to the fore, and the providential choice of Abraham Lincoln saved the union from destruction. Men like Theodore Roosevelt shaped America into a world power and reminded citizens that the government is one of and for the people. Franklin Roosevelt helped pull a nation out of the Great Depression and successfully fought a global conflagration on two fronts. Men like Eisenhower kept us strong, men like Kennedy reminded us of our mission, and men like Reagan helped restore our pride and renew our spirit. None were without controversy, but all were capable, gifted, leaders.
Now faced with one of the great challenges our time, the cultural clash with radical Islam, and a worldwide power shuffle consisting of rogue regimes, ineffectual allies, and global economies, our political process has produced a paltry field of candidates to assume the office of President of the United States. At a juncture of great historical importance, we are asked to choose the best fruit from a barren vine.
