I have always thought that Dick Morris was hit or miss — that half his writing was quite insightful, but the other half was very weak. His latest column falls into that latter category — and it makes me think he’s looking for work with the Obama campaign:
The best evidence of Obama’s readiness to lead the nation is the ability with which he has run for president. After all, what is more difficult, complicated, or challenging than getting elected president? What other life experience better illustrates one’s qualification to hold the office than a manifest skill in seeking it?… As we have watched Obama surmount the hurdles that lay in his path, we cannot help but be impressed with his judgment. Adam Wallinsky, who served on Bobby Kennedy’s staff, once singled out good judgment as JFK’s most salient characteristic. Obama has faced so many delicate questions and issues and seems always to have the right feel for how to handle them. Will he be a good president? If he is half as skillful in serving as he has been in running, he can’t miss.
So the fact of having run a great campaign demonstrates one’s readiness for the office? Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter ran strong, shrewd campaigns. Were they great presidents? And winning the nomination is the best possible experience to prepare one for the Oval Office? Is it really better than serving as governor, or vice president, or Supreme Allied Commander Europe? I think Morris’ distaste for Hillary may have gotten the better of him this time.
