In the short time we have left before the nomination process ends in early February, let’s look more closely at those candidates who are not afraid to talk about the programs that most challenge our nation’s future. More importantly, consider the candidates who are not afraid to offer real solutions. Presidential leadership requires identifying and working on the right problems, instead of best imitating a Southern accent.

Let’s take a close look at candidates who are able to inspire people to focus on the pursuit of happiness, instead of happiness as defined by the next government program. Individual responsibility is not a foreign concept to those who are already achieving their American dream.

Don’t be deceived into thinking that members of Congress necessarily have the ability to fill Washington, D.C.’s vast leadership void. Congress was not designed to be a leadership body. The legislative branch has consistently demonstrated that fact by oftentimes ignoring even the simplest solutions for the sake of power and re-election.

We need a leader in the White House who is not afraid to hijack the Washington bureaucracy, and courageous enough to smartly challenge politics as usual in Congress.

The American people want a president who will truly lead this nation with the people’s hopes and trust in a new suitcase, and who will leave his or her baggage at home.