Romney and Adams
In an interview that aired on "60 Minutes" tonight, Scott Pelley asked Governor Mitt Romney what lessons he had learned from studying past presidents.
It is a testament to the candidate's own humility that he didn't mention any of the usual names in his answer. There were no references to Washington or Lincoln. Instead, Romney talked about America's second president, John Adams.
You know, I enjoy reading David McCullough's writings. My favorite book is perhaps of a biographical nature, was his book on John Adams, a person who had extraordinary character, a relationship with his spouse who may have been even brighter than he. We don't know as much about her as we do about him. But a man who had a very clear sense of direction, who helped guide the process of writing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He wrote the Constitution of my state of Massachusetts. And, we saw in him an individual who was less concerned about public opinion than he was about doing what he thought was right for the country. And even though he was defeated in his run for reelection, he did what he thought was right for America. And I respect that kind of character.
A candidate who respects that kind of character has the makings of a good president.
- Comment (16)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (3)
Comments:
Jul '10
Re: Romney and Adams
Though not a supporter during the primaries, and not really learning much about the man, I have since learned that Mitt has lots of characteristics that seem to make him a fine person.
That said, he will STILL bear watching if he wins the election. I have no doubt that he will do his level best to fulfill all his election promises, but there are SO many other things that he will need the input of the people (well, conservative people).
Jan '12
Re: Romney and Adams
I've always had a soft spot for John Adams. I'm glad to see Romney does as well.
Oct '10
Re: Romney and Adams
He seems an admirable human being. But back to my hobby horse...Why is he appearing on 60 Minutes? Can I hope that he is the last Republican presidential hopeful ever to do so?
Mar '11
Re: Romney and Adams
Would I be way too cynical if I were to observe that rather than being admirable, the response quoted seems to be an excellent example of the political answer?
Everyone knows about Washington and Lincoln. More importantly, everyone knows that everyone else knows about Washington and Lincoln. But the millions who have a (recently acquired) special, well, knowledge of John Adams tend to think their interest and knowledge is rare. They were the ones, after all, who sat through the eight hour mini-series!
Also notable, complementing Adams on his character is a wonderfully policy-free thing to do. He was 'less concerned about public opinion than he was about doing what he thought was right for the country'. So was another leader whose name I shall not mention for fear of breaching Godwin's Law.
How about the hard work of deciding which of Adams' decisions were good for the nation and the evolving Constitutional order? And which, if any, were less good?
Mar '11
Re: Romney and Adams
Jonathan Horn:
A candidate who respects that kind of character has the makings of a good president.
But does the American electorate have the makings of a good citizenry?
May '10
Re: Romney and Adams
In a word, yes. Folks, Reagan is dead. These two guys are the choices.
One of my favorite lines in an action movie is by Reese to Sarah Conner in the original Terminator: "come with me if you want to live."
That is our predicament today. We must choose life.
Jun '12
Re: Romney and Adams
It's a nice answer, but I wish Mitt Dukakis would run a better campaign. Although, he's hamstrung by an ineptly biased media, that looks at liberal Washington with blinders and idolization instead of objective analytical eyes.
Re: Romney and Adams
Agreed, and all the more fitting because Adams, of course, hailed from Massachusetts.
Apr '12
Re: Romney and Adams
But does that soft spot for Adams extend to the Alien and Sedition Acts...
Re: Romney and Adams
Despite all the problems with the media this campaign cycle, I think we can assume the answer to this question is a solid no.
Jun '12
Re: Romney and Adams
I must admit, Mr. Romney has good taste in books. I've always enjoyed Mr. McCullough's book on John Adams.
Re: Romney and Adams
If you haven't already, be sure to read Truman ... it's even better.
Jun '12
Re: Romney and Adams
Jonathan Horn
If you haven't already, be sure to read Truman... it's even better. · 1 minute ago
Just what I need, more books added to my reading pile. ;)
Feb '11
Re: Romney and Adams
Mr. Romney may need to reread McCullough's book. My recollection is that Adams did not assist with the Constitution as he was in France at the time. Adams did come back to help flesh out some Constitutional roles such as serving as the first Vice President, signing what should have been an unconstitutional law (Alien and Sedition Act), and being the first sitting President to be denied reelection and stepping down peacefully.
Don't get me wrong: I like John Adams and McCullough's biography. I just wish that Mr. Romney had chosen one of our less statist Presidents.
It could have been worse. He could have chosen Teddy Roosevelt!
Jun '12
Re: Romney and Adams
Perhaps you need to reread it yourself.
From about location 8717 (I used the Kindle edition because of the ease of searching, it's in Chapter 9):
Edited on September 24, 2012 at 7:20pmRe: Romney and Adams
ConservativeWanderer
Jonathan Horn
If you haven't already, be sure to read Truman... it's even better. · 1 minute ago
Just what I need, more books added to my reading pile. ;) · Sep 24 at 9:24am
I know how you feel! It never seems to get smaller.