Frustration with the current state of American politics is palpable from coast to coast and across the partisan spectrum. If you’ve had a conversation recently with someone who was really enjoying the state of our dialogue and governance, there are slew of pollsters and universities who would really love to meet them. The middle ground of American politics has vanished, entrenching Republicans and Democrats with the strongest held views within their parties at the expense of anyone not committed to the model of victory by total annihilation. There are no signs of balance returning anytime soon. What is comforting, however, is that this condition is not unknown to the biggest movers and shakers in American society: the CEOs.

Howard Schultz is stepping down as executive chairman of Starbucks after nearly 20 years of combined time as CEO of the once-fledgling Seattle coffee company turned international behemoth. In a recent interview in the New York Times, Schultz was confronted with a familiar question about his political ambitions. When asked if he was was considering a run for the presidency his answer was telling, saying, “I intend to think about a range of options, and that could include public service. But I’m a long way from making any decisions about the future.”