Some Great Choices for President

When we look for a Presidential candidate first we look to someone who is dedicated, honest, intelligent, experienced, and has the ability and drive to work for the country. Then we ask personal questions of empathy, compassion, and sympathy. Only after they are vetted through this process will we ask for a position on the issues.

What if I told you that there was a person who had almost 20 years of experience in the highest levels of government? He was instrumental in the Cold War victory and the defeat of the Soviet Union resulting in the freedom of all of Eastern Europe. One of the greatest transitions of people and society in the history of the world – without shedding any blood. Although he never served in the military, has spent more than 10 years working effectively and enthusiastically with and within the corridors at the Pentagon.

What about the young man who started college at 15 and received a bachelor's degree in political science, cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, at the age of 20; a master's from the University of Notre Dame at 25; and Ph.D. at 31. Awarded honorary doctorates from Morehouse College, the University of Alabama, the University of Notre Dame, and the Mississippi College School of Law. Who also speaks French, German, Spanish, and fluent Russian and has played the piano since the age of three.

For those interested in a business leader, there is the guy who was a member of the boards of directors for the Chevron Corporation, the Charles Schwab Corporation, the University of Notre Dame, and the International Advisory Council of J.P. Morgan. In addition, a board member of the Transamerica Corporation, Hewlett Packard, the Carnegie Corporation, and The Rand Corporation.

For charity and community programs, there is always the hero who was a Founding Board member of the Center for a New Generation – an educational support fund for local schools, Vice President of the regional Boys and Girls Club, on the board of directors for the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the San Francisco Symphony Board of Governors, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Mid-Peninsula Urban Coalition, and KQED public broadcasting for San Francisco.

Then there are those who look for a Secretary of State in the line of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren and James Buchanan. I know another man who fits easily into that category.

Of course, this is a Christian country and our President must believe in God. There is always the son of a Presbyterian minister who participated and assisted his father in his ministry throughout his life. He was a first-hand witness of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s and has worked throughout his life for the fair treatment and success of minorities.

For the jock in all of us, there is the football jock who know more about football then the average Monday morning quarterback (and some of the Sunday afternoon quarterbacks on the field). Someone who excelled in sports and enjoys it to the fullest, competing at the collegiate level.

What if I told you each of these persons was the same person?
What if I told you he was black?
What if I told you he was a she?

Condoleezza Rice (Condi, we need you. Please run! It's not too late.)