by Nancy Linenkugel
Contributor
At this point in the fall presidential political season, we Americans have endured three debates among Republican presidential contenders and one Democratic presidential contenders’ debate.
Yes, we know that they’re all leaders because those candidates wouldn’t be standing before us otherwise. Governors and senators are already leaders and so are business persons and surgeons. That spark of confidence to put one’s self forward and express willingness to serve others is certainly leadership.
Yes, we know that many of the candidates have considerable political experience, so there’s no chance of them disappointing us with respect to not knowing how Washington works.
Hearing candidates go on and on about all their accomplishments may boost their own confidence. But that’s only part of the equation for me.
What I’m not hearing is anything about collaboration. United States presidents must work with Congress. And the Supreme Court and the judiciary. And the cabinet. And ambassadors. And state governors. And political parties. And agencies like Medicare and the Veteran's Administration. And on and on.
What would happen if a presidential candidate said, “I’m ready to bring the country together, and I have the skills to do it.” Maybe he or she would get a lot of votes.
[Sr. Nancy Linenkugel is a Sylvania Franciscan sister and chair of the department of Health Services Administration at Xavier University, Cincinnati Ohio.]