Something More than Just the Anti-Bush?

The Decembrist has some thoughts about John Kerry, inspired by a Tom Oliphant article:

As for the potential for greatness in Kerry, I can imagine it. The fact that he seems to understand how he has to govern is one indication; Oliphant has many others. Success in the presidency seems to elude prediction, because the requirements of the job are so different from other political offices as well as most non-political jobs. Given what I thought I knew about Kerry, I’m surprised to find myself voting for him not just as the anti-Bush, but with an enthusiasm about his ability to succeed.

I veer between dread regarding a Kerry presidency and wild optimism. Dread not because I fear that Kerry is incompetent, but because I wonder whether anyone can clean up the mess that George W. Bush has made without getting himself dirty. Iraq will still be unsettled in January, the deficit will still be at record levels, the economy will still be sluggish, and the Republicans, whether or not they control Congress, will fall over themselves trying to obstruct whatever policy initiatives Kerry proposes. In my moments of dread, I recognize that Kerry will do *much* better over the next four years than Bush, but fear that W. has ruined the country for his immediate successor.

Then, in my brighter moments, I really become enthusiastic about Kerry. Kerry was my first “first choice” in the Democratic primaries, and though I ditched him in a fit of Wes Clark passion, I have always believed he was most qualified to be President. He’s progressive, smart, competent, courageous, and presumably knows his way around Congress. The most qualified Presidents don’t always work out to be the best; Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and George H. W. Bush were all well qualified, and all ended up somewhere between disastrous and mediocre. However, I can’t help believing that being qualified helps.

What can a “great” Kerry presidency accomplish? Rebuilding the fiscal health of the country, for one. Balanced budgets remain within the grasp of the U.S. government, and returning to a sustainable budget would be a magnificent accomplishment. As Schmitt and Oliphant note, Kerry may be capable of reaching across the partisan divide and working with Republicans; we need two competent, responsible political parties in the United States, not just one. In the international sphere, Kerry may be able to work wonders. If he can place the international blame for the last four years squarely on the shoulders of W. and not look back, we stand a good chance of rebuilding and reinvigorating our strained alliances.

Large problems, large opportunities. I remain hopeful.