Hmmmm … I have to disagree. I think who the President is can have a major influence on society.
I voted for Bush in 2000 just because he was a Republican even though I had a strong suspicion that he was a dumbass. Turns out, not only was he a dumbass, he is also probably the most corrupt Presidents since Nixon. If Gore had won in 2000, I seriously doubt we would be in Iraq now. Plus, I believe that Bush’s “Ownership Society” policies played a major role in this housing bubble. If I could go back in time, I’d definitely vote for Gore in 2000 (as would a large majority of Americans I suspect).
Looking back, some of the best times for the United States in recent years have been the Clinton years. I believe that was not only due to Clinton being a smart guy, but also because Republicans controlled Congress and were able to shut down some of Clinton’s more radical ideas, such as universal health care. I’d like to see us get back to a split government, with Obama in the White House and Republicans in charge of Congress. Unfortunately, I think Bush has screwed things up so badly that Democrats will win both the White House and Congress.
