The Adult in the Room

As I watch all things part of and leading to the 2012 presidential election cycle, I have pondered these age-long questions, "Where did we come from? Why are we here?" And, "where do we go after...2012?" (At least as it relates to politics and this nation)

I grew up in a Republican household, but even in high school I debated the merits of abolishing the two-party system. My ideological view from that age when I knew everything was that Americans could learn to vote based on candidate's principles and values and not based merely upon a party affiliation.

During the last presidential election, we were all faced with a quandary. Here is my summation (for what it's worth). From the left, voters were weighing the option of having another Clinton White House or, choose to elect a vibrant Chicago senator who was a great orator and spoke of change. From the right, there was the candidate many Republicans considered to be a RINO anyway, John McCain. Many also felt excitement with the possibility of electing our first African-American president. This possibility alone promoted the feeling that America had grown up. Our nation was rising above racial inequality, at least to a measure. I, for one, and even some staunch conservative friends of mine were quite open to the prospect and possibilities.

A fair amount of this openness to a Democrat-led administration was due to what was being experienced by the average Republican. It was impossible not to feel the downward turn in American morale and our standing in the world community. Our presidents Texas swagger and winking-eye arrogance was not cutting it here or abroad. Undoubtedly, no one is ever prepared to leap into being a wartime president; but if you apply to be Commander in Chief, it's certainly got to be in your wheelhouse. But, I'm not really here to expound on the job performance of the Bush administration. Historians will continue to sort out the efficacy of those eight years. Mine is an observation of what felt were prevalent feelings of our nation and how those feelings may have brought us to now.

We all want for our leadership to represent our feelings and us. But, all I had to do was observe President Bush meeting with various countries Heads' of State, and I wanted to apologize. I didn't want to apologize for America but I did want to say, "Hey! He ain't us!" My Mother used to say the craziest thing when I would look up at her during reprimands. She'd say, "Don't you look at me with that tone of voice!" Watching President Bush, I often wanted to say, "Don't you look at that Chancellor, Prime Minister, King, reporter, Congress or anyone else with that tone of voice!" Anyway, I digress.

So, we elected our "Hope for Change". We all hoped for it. In fact, many who wouldn't have swayed left did so in hope. Now, after three years, we generally feel the same but for differing reasons...we desperately hope for CHANGE! But, with this presidential election cycle, a majority wants a change in the executive office.

I've written about our nation growing up. I've briefly referred to how I grew up. I've mentioned my Mother. Now, my thoughts go to my Father. He's not the most dynamic of guys. In fact, I remember wishing (at times) he were as cool as other Fathers I knew. But, my Father has always been a man of principle and quiet courage. He is a learned man, has a doctorate in fact, but you'd never know it. His humility has hurt and helped him. The quiet, yet spot-on wisdom he offered his children filtered gradually into the community. He had a political career; served as our small towns’ Mayor and was President of our states’ League of Cities and Towns. His Father, my Grandfather, also just a principled and humble man, rose up from being a small dairy farmer from Swedish immigrants to serve under the Secretary of Agriculture in the Eisenhower administration. Both examples in my life are men of honor and integrity and not self-ambition. They both were truly called to serve despite their lack of political dynamics or charisma. Highly respected while seeking none. I honor and respect my Father, his Father, respectable Fathers everywhere and our Founding Fathers. When I think of Father, I picture the adult in the room; the voice of reason.

ALL great men that I have ever been inspired to follow or emulate have felt like the adult in a room of children. When I say children it's a metaphor to me for those driven by egos, agendas and self-interests to varying degrees. My father, Grandfather and others I'm thinking of thought NOT of themselves but of others always and in all ways.

This brings me to my point. In my opinion, Mitt Romney continues to be the "adult in the room". Is he perfect? No, but I don't see anyone else more adult. In fact, I believe that because of his knowledge and credentials, he is repeatedly held to a higher standard than others. It's almost as if on some subconscious level people scrutinize Romney as if to say, "But look...he's Mitt Romney, he's supposed to know that, be that, represent that, stand for that, not fall for that, never do that and always say and do things...well, like Mitt Romney should!" I feel that the curse of rising to be the most adult in the room is that you are forever expected to be the most adult.

Double standards always apply. Why? Perhaps double standards exist because there are so few adults in our world. So few in the press are adult. So few in the media are adult. So few pundits are adult. Human nature is to criticize when we can’t relate to another rather than try to grow an understanding of another. And, it seems that despite Romney’s strengths, he always faces relate-ability with his potential constituents.

Let’s talk about what are considered as Romney’s weaknesses. Without a full-scale debate on ideological differences you may have with him, ask yourself how many of Romney’s “perceived weaknesses” are just that. Whether you agree with him or not, just consider how many times you have heard: “Romney is perceived as unapproachable…” “Romney is perceived as disingenuous…” “Romney is perceived as being this or that…” Romney is dogged with perceptions being reality to the observer.

I will grant you, Romney is not the most comfortable in all situations and at all times. In 2008, I believe he may have been naïve to what the rigors and nuances of a presidential campaign are relevant to RELATING. Few can relate with Mitt Romney.

Being the most adult is not enough. Romney has tried to retool his approach to be more everyman and approachable. How has it worked? The double-edged sword slices hard. If he stays on point for more than one stump speech he’s robotic. If he tries to personalize or regionalize his message, he’s pandering. If he slightly revises his approach, he’s flip-flopping. And, the list goes on and it is part of the whole political game. Is Romney singled out? Of course he is; but I’d like to believe that, for the most part, it is unintentional. It is that unfortunate aspect of human nature that feels uncomfortable when an adult is in the room observing our childlike antics.

Is it hard to relate to Mitt Romney? Of course it is…he’s Mitt Romney for hell’s sake!

I'm really pumped! I've liked this man from the first Republican debate, but I didn't think he would be able to rise about the fray. He's a real, genuine contender now. I just love this soft spoken but powerful man. He just leaves you feeling he's someone you can trust. I think the wonderful people of the Sunshine State have picked the next president of the United States!