One past President who stands out for me as having plunged the country into his unfortunate personal emotional state was Carter. Carter always felt depressed to me. Under his leadership I recall feeling negative about America like a depressed person feels negative about himself.
I loved America during Clinton's presidency. I felt confident that our nation could handle whatever challenges came our way. Policies aside, Clinton's contagious optimism led the country into a period of economic prosperity. Feeling good about ourselves gives us confidence to launch business ventures, to expand the factory, to buy today because there'll be money again tomorrow.
Obama exemplifies the impact of a President with similar policies to those of Clinton combined with a totally different personality.
Obama's critics write about how rudderless the country feels under his regime. That strikes me as the way a son might feel who grew up fatherless.
Americans in these frightening economic times are likely to seek a strong dad to put into the White House. My hunch is that I am not the only one who would love to feel that we can rely on the spirit as well as the policies of our President to guide us out of our economic doldrums. My bet is that we will choose the candidate who best conveys "Lean on me..."
Franklin Roosevelt, with his fireside chats, modeled the potency of a warm and reassuring presence. His voice, as much and maybe even more than his plan of action, conveyed that Daddy will take care of us. "There's nothing to fear but fear itself."
President Reagan also conveyed to many Americans, "Everything's gonna be all right."
When Obama addresses the nation, by contrast, he tells us whom we should blame for our problems. He encourages us to be mad at his marital partner, Wall Street and the Republicans, instead of succeeding in soothing our fears about jobs and inspiring Wall Street to join him in creating more jobs.
Blaming creates divisiveness, not wholesome positive energy. Living under Obama feels to many Americans like being caught in a family where the parents argue. Either we take sides, or we end up disliking both of them.
Cain also exuded capable problem-solving, boldness and humor. In an America that finds itself mired in unemployment, a shrinking economy, world-wide fragility of our banking systems, global warming, plus nuclear threats from Iran that could trigger a nuclear-induced global winter, Cain's temporary surging popularity suggested that many citizens would like a dad at the helm who projects that he knows where he's going.
Cain's strong convictions conveyed that we'd all be safe. When he spoke, the ship of state seemed to stop feeling like it was sinking. To many Americans Cain conveyed that he was comfortable navigating the treacherous waters through which the next President will need to guide the family boat. When Cain showed us his 9-9-9 map we may or may not have agreed with the ideas. Still, many Americans felt reassured that this was a Daddy who knew where he was heading and had a route to get us there.
The turn-around specialist who projected humor, inspiration and love for America had, alas, only temporary voter appeal. Americans also are looking for a daddy whose personal life exemplifies the ideals of integrity with regard to sexual fidelity that we hold dear.
I will feel relieved if 2012 brings us a strong leader, Democrat or Republican, who can give America a renewed sense of security and unity. So far, I'm still looking....
---------------- ----------------------------- -------------------------
Susan Heitler, PhD, a Denver Clinical psychologist, is author of multiple publications including From Conflict to Resolution and The Power of Two. A graduate of Harvard and NYU, Dr. Heitler's most recent project is a marriage skills website, PowerOfTwoMarriage.com.
Susan Heitler, Ph.D., is the author of many books, including From Conflict to Resolution and The Power of Two. She is a graduate of Harvard University and New York University.
more...
How to handle difficult people.
