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Harry S. Truman won an upset victory in 1948 – but he left office four years later with an approval rating number that has never been bested (or is that “worsted”?).
How about Richard Nixon? Need I really go there?
Even Ronald Reagan, whose mantle was sought by just about every would-be Republican candidate this year, had a rough 2nd term – remember Iran-Contra?
Only Dwight D. Eisenhower managed to avoid too much trouble during round two of his administration, leaving office with an approval rating of 59%. Of course, his war hero status, not to mention his “above the fray” approach to management, insulated him from excessive criticism. His would-be successor, Richard Nixon, was, however, beaten by the agent of change du jour.
It’s quite likely that HUBRIS plays a part in what happens to a man once reelected. He tends to see the results as an exaggerated mandate. The people tend to mean it as a “job well done” statement. It’s not necessarily a green light for reach to exceed grasp.
But, someone might ask – couldn’t a one-term president make similar pride-blinded mistakes (not to mention those born of incompetence)? Sure - ask Jimmy Carter, or George H.W. Bush, or Gerald Ford – or, for that matter – Millard Fillmore. These men, however, got what Winston Churchill once called “the order of the boot.” They weren’t single term presidents because that was what they really wanted.
John McCain’s strengths are those of courage, forthrightness, and an obvious sense of duty. A single-term presidency – on purpose – might just be the kind of thing that would resonate with people in these times of chronic campaigning and endless politics.
After four years he could exit the stage on a high note. And, unlike Teddy Roosevelt he couldn’t (and wouldn’t) come back in 2016.
By then, John McCain will be 80. |