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To protect our environment, gain energy
independence, protect us from aggressors, ensure
health care for all, improve education, and
strengthen the economy, we need leaders working for the
common good. But it’s not enough for would-be leaders to
propose promising policies. They won’t be leaders unless they
can mobilize followers. And the people they need to mobilize,
especially the most competent knowledgeable workers, reject
autocratic bosses. They don’t want to be told what to do; they
want to be engaged as collaborators in achieving a purpose.
They want to be persuaded not ordered. But people often
reject the leaders they need and follow those they should
reject. We can’t afford that now. In an age of manufactured
identities, we must strengthen our ability to see through the
mask, to understand those who aspire to lead us.
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Here’s some of the questions we should ask ourselves as we
listen to candidates for president:
• Do they respond to the challenges and stress of the
campaign without losing their sense of humor?
• Do they understand both the threats and opportunities
we face, and do they have a vision of America that will
mobilize people? Do they spark hope and not fear?
• Do they emphasize issues that will bring us together?
• Do they bring us into their own internal dialogue in
a way that inspires confi dence? Or do they just recite
scripted policies?
• Do they show courage to stand up for the common
good against narrow interests?
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