The Character Factor: How We Judge America's PresidentsTexas A&M University Press, 2004 - 209 頁 Annotation The American president's character matters. To most Americans, it matters deeply. But how do we define what character means, and why can't we agree? In this sober, probing consideration of "the character factor" and the presidency, veteran political analyst James P. Pfiffner leads us through a survey of three aspects of presidential character that have proved problematic for recent chief executives: lies, promise-keeping, and sexual probity. His goal is not to tell us which presidents have been "good" and which "bad." Rather, he helps us think critically and impartially about complex character issues and invites us to reach our own conclusions. The Character Factor avoids both moral judgments and cynicism. It helps us look at our presidents (and our presidential candidates) without illusions, knowing that flawed men can still be great leaders but that some flaws deserve defeat at the polls--or even the ultimate presidential sanction, impeachment. |
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第 1 到 5 筆結果,共 24 筆
第 9 頁
... elected to pursue. Thus the lack of sexual selfrestraint in a president may indicate a lack of commitment to the duties of public office in terms of both policy goals and moral example.13 The irony of the argument that the president has ...
... elected to pursue. Thus the lack of sexual selfrestraint in a president may indicate a lack of commitment to the duties of public office in terms of both policy goals and moral example.13 The irony of the argument that the president has ...
第 10 頁
... elected, how can citizens know for whom to vote? Thus blatant promise breaking undermines faith in politicians generally and may lead to cynicism in the public about government and undermine the premises that hold a polity together ...
... elected, how can citizens know for whom to vote? Thus blatant promise breaking undermines faith in politicians generally and may lead to cynicism in the public about government and undermine the premises that hold a polity together ...
第 11 頁
... elected official may have an obliga— tion not to keep a promise if fulfilling it would lead to bad consequences for the country as a whole. A promise to balance the budget (e. g., Reagan) or to cut taxes (e.g., Clinton) or not to raise ...
... elected official may have an obliga— tion not to keep a promise if fulfilling it would lead to bad consequences for the country as a whole. A promise to balance the budget (e. g., Reagan) or to cut taxes (e.g., Clinton) or not to raise ...
第 13 頁
... elected, I promise to restore honor to the government and achieve these policy goals.” In the heat of campaigns, politicians often get carried away, exaggerate, and promise more than they can deliver. They often feel that doing so is ...
... elected, I promise to restore honor to the government and achieve these policy goals.” In the heat of campaigns, politicians often get carried away, exaggerate, and promise more than they can deliver. They often feel that doing so is ...
第 14 頁
... elected to make these tough personnel deci— sions. So the need to set aside personal loyalty and make tough personnel decisions is an important obligation for presidents. Presidents do not have to fire people in a harsh manner, but ...
... elected to make these tough personnel deci— sions. So the need to set aside personal loyalty and make tough personnel decisions is an important obligation for presidents. Presidents do not have to fire people in a harsh manner, but ...
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