Sharon McDonald: Obama an example

I have always respected the fair-minded journalism of David Brooks, but never as much as when I read his Feb. 10 column “Obama’s fine character.”

Brooks is a moderate Republican. I am a liberal Democrat. Although I often disagree with his views, this column is exactly on target. It is encouraging, not to mention refreshing, to see someone of the opposite political party look objectively at President Obama’s time in office.

I agree that Barack Obama has not been a perfect president. He has faced significant challenges and has overcome many of them, but certainly not all. Maybe he made some wrong choices. Maybe he could have done more.

However, he has exhibited a number of qualities that our current candidates for president, both Republican and Democrat, should aspire to. These include, according to Brooks, “superior integrity, basic humanity, a soundness in his decision-making process, grace under pressure and a resilient sense of optimism.” In other words, he is presidential.

Considering the mean-spirited political campaigns currently underway, some with a lack of any sense of civility or proper decorum, I suggest that the words of Brooks should be required reading for everyone running for president or any other elected office.

This story was originally published February 18, 2016 at 4:54 PM with the headline "Sharon McDonald: Obama an example."