The Et Cetera Post

During the 2004 presidential election, John Kerry was criticized for being “elitist”. The same label is now being attached to Barack Obama. The question is, what’s wrong with having an elitist president?

Think for a minute about what it means to be elite. Without going into a dictionary definition of the word, to be “elite” means to be the best. Isn’t that actually a feature we would want in a president? Don’t we want the leader of the country to be the best our society has to offer?

When you look at other situations, “elite” isn’t a bad word. Athletes want to become “elite athletes.” They’re the ones who get the fat contract and their face on the Wheaties box. “Elite” versions of deodorants or car tires must be better at keeping you smelling clean or gripping in all weather conditions.

But when it comes to the president, people want just a regular guy you would like to hang out with at a bar. Someone you can relate to. Someone kind of like you. But stop and think about this for a minute. Would you really make a good president? Do you think the guys you hang out with at the bar could be trusted to control the most powerful military in the world and make decisions that affection millions of people?

The fact of the matter is, being president is a really tough job. It’s probably a good idea that whoever is looking to get into this line of work has the necessary qualifications, instead of just being someone who would be fun at parties. So bring out the best and brightest for me to vote for–even if that means they won’t be the type to stop by, watch the game and knock back a couple cans of Bud.