Why would anyone want to be President?

Dispatcher · 06-01-2008, 10:54 PM

Ok, this may seem like a stupid question, but I am serious.
Most people that run for president already have a ton of money, and although there are some that truly want to serve the public and make a difference, it seems to me that the Office of President is more of a trophy for some, like owning the biggest yacht, for over achievers with big egos.
I mean, is it lust for power? Leaving a legacy? What drives people to run for President?

kinggovernor · 06-01-2008, 11:38 PM

at the top of the any list has to be: EGO

7960 · 06-02-2008, 12:30 AM

Power.

motivez · 06-02-2008, 12:39 AM

You definitely have to have a large ego to think that you're literally the best person capable of leading the country, that you have something to offer the position that no one else has

It definitely attracts people who want power, but hopefully people who are, at least in the beginning.. in it to do something positive for the country and not just their own status

Smull · 06-02-2008, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by motivez

You definitely have to have a large ego to think that you're literally the best person capable of leading the country, that you have something to offer the position that no one else has

Not really, all you have to think is that your best qualified person from you party who plans on running, so really you have to think your better than (or at least on par with) no more than 10 people. And being as the office of President attracts a lot douchebags (like was mentioned earlier) I don't find it much of a stretch for someone to look around and say "damn, I could do a better job than these idiots" and just going for it. And really how many people are "qualified" to be president? 50 Governors, 100 Senators, maybe another 50 or so popular public figures from past administrations (VP sec of State, sec of Def), or lower level public office (congressmen, mayors, etc...) Thats about 300 people who would even be considered for the job, most of them don't pursue it for various reasons, and half are from the opposing party, and probably half of that are from an opposing faction within your party.

My point is, its much easier to feel your the one best qualified to be president when you look at the competition.