Everyone is talking about what they expect or want from you during your presidency. Anna Quindlen has a great article in Newsweek and she is right--keep writing and making speeches that inspire us. help to bring some positivity back to this country. I have a suggestion, too. Stay in touch with the people--you know, Tom and Jane Everybody. Read some local newspapers regularly, call people on that Blackberry you want to keep and ask them what they think about certain issues--don't just take the word of you staff, seek out people in towns and communities across the country. Maybe people won't get it at first but if you are actually in touch with people you won't become jaded as most Presidents do. I know you have staff and friends and family who will be honest and forthright with you, but you have spent the better part of two years meeting people--continue to do that and then you will continue to get the sense of the mood of the country. Take some time and read emails and phone messages and letters to the editors. Call people who least expect it and just talk about what's really going on.
I know, I know, they will say it can't be done--why can't you stay in contact with workers and professionals, and mothers and fathers, and teachers and students by actually talking with them, off the cuff and in the moment? You ARE the President and you can do just about whatever you want. Don't isolate yourself.
So, I agree, please, please keep making speeches that inspire and motivate us to be the best we can and to work together. But also, you do the best you can by actually knowing the feelings and concerns of us out here in the country who have your back and really want you to succeed. Really be the Leader of the people.
I know this sounds so simple--sometimes the most simple ideas are the best. At least I think so.
That's the way it is, here in Memphis where it's unusually cold but ever sunny.
See y'all.
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