The Presidential Character

Introduction

When citizens vote for a presidential candidate, they engage in a complex prediction process, choosing who they believe would make the best president amidst a backdrop of uncertainty and confusion. This decision-making involves weighing influences such as political commentators, past voting experiences, and personal beliefs shaped by a myriad of factors, including time and events leading to elections.

Understanding Candidates

To navigate through this chaotic political environment, Barber emphasizes that understanding a candidate requires seeing them as a whole person rather than just a collection of issues or public opinions. A candidate's character, worldview, and political style are essential for predicting their potential effectiveness as president. The presidency is a fluid institution shaped by the personalities that inhabit it; thus, understanding each president's individual character offers valuable insights into what they may achieve during their terms.

The Presidency as Emotional Focus

The presidency transcends mere administrative functions; it serves as a focal point for public emotion and sentiment. While American citizens may show indifference toward other political entities, the president tends to draw deep emotional responses, particularly during national crises or the death of a sitting president. This emotional connection reinforces the notion of the president as a symbolic leader responsible for channeling national hopes and fears.

Public Expectations of the President

The president's role extends into various dimensions, beyond just governance. This includes acting as a unifying figure that conveys a sense of progress and legitimacy. Voters expect the president to provide reassurance during turbulent times and to act decisively to reflect public needs. Consequently, the president becomes a lightning rod for national sentiments, facing intense scrutiny and pressure to embody national ideals.

Dynamics of Presidential Character

Barber categorizes presidential character into four distinct types based on two dimensions: activity (how much effort the president expends) and affect (how much enjoyment he derives from that effort). These two dimensions help identify the president’s orientation toward political life and his general emotional state as a leader.

Four Types of Presidential Character

1. Active-Positive: Presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt typify this category, balancing high energy with enjoyment of their role, leading to effective governance through adaptability and productivity.

2. Active-Negative: This type involves intense effort accompanied by low emotional reward, as seen in presidents like Woodrow Wilson, who are driven by ambition but struggle with internal conflicts.

3. Passive-Positive: This type seeks approval and affection from others, as exemplified by presidents who rely on a compliant, optimistic approach, putting less value on personal political assertiveness.

4. Passive-Negative: Presidents fitting this classification tend to engage minimally in politics, driven by a sense of duty rather than personal satisfaction or ambition, characterized by a reluctance to assert themselves.

Example Presidents and Their Attributes

• George Washington: Embodied the passive-negative type—focused on stability and reluctant to engage in political conflicts but essential in establishing government legitimacy.

• John Adams: Characterized as active-negative—intensely driven, albeit prone to conflicts and partisanship, illustrating the struggle between ambition and anxiety.

• Thomas Jefferson: Best represented as active-positive, combining an intellectual pursuit of governance with a keen understanding of the political landscape.

• James Madison: Demonstrated passive-positive traits, often yielding under pressure amid the complexities of political life.

Conclusion

In understanding the presidency, it is crucial to recognize that presidents are shaped by their historical context and personal experiences. Their past influences their present actions and decisions in office, making the study of presidential character relevant for comprehending not only individual presidents but also the broader political landscape they navigate. This book offers a framework for illuminating how president's character traits can predict future actions and policies, contributing to a deeper understanding of American political dynamics.