John Podhoretz Quotes
The presidency is not an entry-level electoral job.
Podhoretz, John. New York Post, NYP Holdings, 2008.
Before Theodore Roosevelt, American Presidential Candidates had to pretend that they did not seek the presidency and remain passive. However Roosevelt changed that norm and the primary elections, taking the nomination away from a few party leaders, further required Presidential aspirants to campaign. The principle Lomdes articulated was that if called upon, one was obligated to serve, but should not overtly seek the position and wait to be called by the people.
Stimson had been a key member of the Theodore Roosevelt national administration, and Roosevelt, before he became Vice President and then President had been a very popular governor of NY. Stimson, although a brilliant administrator, and statesman was a bit stuffy and aloof and was a terrible campaigner. He thought it immodest to refer to himself in public or to talk about his record. See {589269}. So the Republicans tried to tie him to Roosevelt who was still very popular. See {589268}. It was not enough. Stimson lost.
The naval hero was approached as to his reception to a presidential draft. His famous response eliminated most interest in him. If Congress selected the President, he may well have won.
He had asked Acheson to be Secretary of State and Acheson told the President that he did not feel qualified to do the job. Acheson then accepted.
John Mordecai Podhoretz is an American writer. He is the editor of Commentary magazine, a columnist for the New York Post, the author of several books on politics, and a former speechwriter for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush.
