Harbison: Competence Over Popularity

Jim Harbison

Commentary by Jim Harbison - Polls have consistently reflected that President Obama is a popular, personable, and likeable individual. Many people think he is a good family man and would be a great neighbor. Compared to Mitt Romney, Obama’s likeability index is off the charts. My response to that is SO WHAT! I am more concerned about someone who can achieve results rather than some popular and charismatic individual who fails to get the job done.
One of the problems with modern media fascination is that we have become a celebrity focused society. If you are not physically attractive, well spoken, and charismatic, your odds of being elected are significantly diminished. Competence is not one of the qualifications that a celebrity worshipping public demands. By today’s criteria Abraham Lincoln would never have made it through the primary election process. He was simply too awkward and unattractive to be President. Many said the same about Steve Forbes even though he has long record of demonstrated professional business competence and success.

Good leaders are always honored to overhear someone say that they did not like them personally but respected them for their leadership abilities and professional competence. Wouldn’t our society be much better off if we decided to elect individuals with proven leadership abilities rather than the “pretty” or likeable people? Shouldn’t we rate and elect individuals to represent us at all levels of government by their skills and abilities to accomplish the business of government? For President, how important is it really to be able to play the saxophone, sing and dance, to play sports or be socially personable. Let there be no mistake about it running our government is running a multi-trillion dollar business and competence matters.

Like most of us I only know of Governor Romney and do not know him personally. My exposure to him has been through TV appearances and news articles. In my opinion he is not a great public speaker that motivates and excites his audiences. He sometimes seems awkward and uncomfortable in front of the public. This does not in any way diminish his professional competence or record of success. He certainly must possess confidence and competence in his business dealings because he has been tremendously successful. Undoubtedly, he possesses the analytical, problem solving, and negotiation skills that are necessary to achieve very high levels of success. Read rest of the column here: News New Mexico

Harbison: Competence Over Popularity