What Makes A Great President?

A president is only as powerful as the sum of other powerful people behind them. When the electorate voted them into office, they chose them out of the options those powerful ones presented. This is what happens all over the world. So a president comes into office owing two classes of people- the masses and the elites. A successful leader is one who is able to balance pleasing the powers that be with pleasing the masses. You neglect either at your own peril. It is therefore inevitable that during your tenure you will sometimes displease the masses and at other times displease at least some of the powers that be.

So success is dependent upon you choosing your battles wisely. My philosophy therefore of leadership is partly Machiavelian. The end is more important than the means. You will deceive some, convince some and corece others. You will uphold justice when you can, but let go when you can't, because at the end of the day, your job is to do everything you can to improve the lot of the people. Your job is not to rigidly adhere to ideals that will get you thrown out of office and not be able to give the people things that matter most to them. They just want food clothing and shelter with the certainty of a secure future. Some compromise won't bother them if the basic neccessities of life are met.

You cannot grant all the wishes of the masses, even if you were sincere when you promised to. You also cannot deny all the demands of the selfish elite even if it is the right thing to do.

People hate governments that deceive the masses but the masses must be deceived. If you don't deceive them for a good end, the powers that be will deceive them for their own selfish end.

So what makes a good President ? Good intentions, fluid morality, good chess playing skills and good perception management.

This is the way to be successful as a president. Do you think I am a realist, or am I just corrupt?

Source: My Facebook comment

Image source: Pixabay.com