So what does it take to be President?

It’s all pretty beguiling, isn’t it? The lipstick controversy, the stunning view of Russia from the Alaska coast, Karl Rove suggesting that there is such a thing as too much lying, it’s all the press can do just to keep up with it. This campaign season has offered us such a bewildering dog-and-pony show that is has become easy to forget what prompted it all.

Apparently it all has something to do with who should become our next President. You’d think in that case that we’d be hearing about why each candidate is qualified and what goals he would aim to achieve while in office. But it’s been slim pickings on that front.

McCain has stressed his long experience in Washington, whereas Obama has stressed his sound judgment and credentials as the bringer of change. Meanwhile, Sarah Palin has attacked Obama for not having ever run anything and points to her time as mayor when she had a couple dozen employees under her. As for Obama, he has steadfastly avoided mentioning his Harvard education lest he be called an elitist, and instead gone on the offensive accusing McCain of being unable to type or send an email. It’s all less than edifying.

So before I get drawn into anything so trivial as actually discussing the issues, let’s ask one question: what does it take to be President? What does the guy/gal need to be able to do?

Well, let’s start with what he/she does not need to do. The President does not have to manage his employees and look after the payroll. He does not have to do the accounts. He does not have to type his own memos. We are picking someone who must be able, on a daily basis, to gather information, consider expert advice, balance priorities and then make intelligent, well-informed and considered decisions for the well-being of our country. These candidates are spending millions of dollars campaigning to lead the free world, not to become the manager of the local Denny’s.

We can all agree to disagree on what qualities best serve these ends. Certainly experience helps. So does raw intellect backed by a solid education. Boldness can be an ally to quick decision-making, while subtlety and caution may achieve more consistent and reliable results. But if we pick our next president because he talks more like us, or because he can type, or because he was in the military three decades ago, or because he runs a good smear campaign, we will regret it.