Would a Business Executive Make a Good President?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:25:27 -0400

Would a Business Executive Make a Good President?
By Joel Peterson
Chairman, JetBlue Airways. Stanford Business School

SEE ENTIRE ARTICLE BELOW - LINK DOESN'T WORK - I GUESS WE'LL SEE NOW SINCE THE ELECTION IS OVER!

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/would-business-executive-make-good-president-joel-peterson?trk=pulse-det-nav_art

What are your thoughts on this RP Nation?

Does anyone come to mind?

Let's try to generate some candidates besides Trump!

At a time when our politics seem broken at the national level, now might be a good moment to think through the executive skills needed for success as the nation’s CEO.

I don’t make this observation with any particular candidate in mind for the presidency in 2016. I’m far less interested in the outcome of specific issues than in the process for coming to grips with them. Whether it’s sensible long-term budgeting, schooling, tax reform or infrastructure, we need a leader who will take up a serious process to address issues.

It’s surely true that our finest presidents haven’t had significant business experience. Being a log-cabin lawyer or patrician farmer doesn’t count. The achievements of Lincoln or FDR or Truman or Reagan were in fact largely a product of classic political skills. But there are elements of being president—the country’s chief executive—that demand what brilliant business leaders do. And as the U.S. government has grown to be the largest enterprise in the world, the abilities of those trained to run enterprises are worth considering.

The talents that great CEOs possess fall into five categories:

People: It’s essential to hire, coach and retain individuals who work as a team. The Cabinet and the agencies, as well as Congress, work best when they’re rowing together. That doesn’t mean everybody agrees. But the relentless infighting that has come to dominate Washington produces gridlock. A president with deep experience herding cats at a large company might offer a way that seems to escape career politicians.
Objectives: A team works best when it knows what winning actually is. The best CEOs set priorities and give everyone a “line of sight” to goals. That means creating projects with champions, deliverables, timetables, budgets and support—in pursuit of a realistic strategy. Platitudes and speeches don’t cut it.
Communications: The best business leaders ensure that their words and actions match, publicly and privately. Sometimes such traits are lacking in our current leaders. Charisma of course counts, but demonstrated performance comes first. Many top CEOs communicate effectively without oratorical flourish.
Culture: Great CEOs celebrate the core values of an enterprise. Culture can become the widest, deepest moat to protect a business and give it staying power. Our political culture, to put it mildly, has turned toxic.
Accountability: A team needs to be accountable. If you can measure whether you’ve reached a goal, you can allocate resources and you can motivate the troops. You get what you measure, because measurements tend to drive individuals to optimize their “scores.” How many political leaders declare success without ever explaining to us just what metric they’re using?
When we think of a head-of-state, most of us imagine a spokesperson who symbolizes “American values” and makes us feel good. That’s fine, but more important these days ought to be a president who has the skills to thrive in all five categories described above.

The federal government is a multi-trillion-dollar business. But without the discipline of the marketplace, it’s become bloated and unaccountable, driven by ideologies more than practicalities. Indeed, if USA Inc. were a market-constrained enterprise, it would’ve failed years ago. It rarely sets clear priorities. It doesn’t meet its budgets. It fails to deliver on promises. A business and a brand performing the way we’re headed would risk oblivion.

“Government” and “business” aren’t synonymous. Government isn’t driven, and shouldn’t be driven, by a profit motive. CEOs often govern on their own, whereas presidents must work with Congress and rightly must consider public opinion. And when it comes to governing, ideologies do matter—but maybe they should matter a bit less than running the machinery of government effectively, with a clear strategy that's aligned with objectives and measureable results.

Competence should trump adherence to dogma about this hot-button social issue or that conventional foreign-policy wisdom. I’m not suggesting that Donald Trump is the answer either; if one views him through the lens of the five key things great business leaders do well, he may seem more of a caricature.

But it could be interesting to see a Jeffrey Immelt of G.E. or a Howard Schultz of Starbucks as part of the national conversation. The former’s a Republican and the latter’s a Democrat. Or add to the mix Alan Mulally, the former Boeing executive and Ford CEO (whose politics I don’t know). All have been superb leaders, with stated goals, demonstrable results, and responsible stewardship. And, of course, Mike Bloomberg, an independent, thrived in three terms as the mayor of New York City.

It may well be true that any of them—as well as other CEOs—might flee from a presidential candidacy. They might invoke the quip of the late New York Times columnist William Safire when his name came up as possible secretary of state to the first President Bush: “Why step down?”

The answer would be to address the obvious issues we face. In selecting our next president, let’s remember that we’re actually hiring our nation’s next CEO—and take into account the skills that our best business leaders have honed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 9:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:27:04 -0400

I reckon they would. The US is the largest business in the world, and should be run as such. One thing is for sure, a community organizer certainly would NOT make a good president....

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 16 at 2015 9:31 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:31:06 -0400

He or she could potentially make a good President. However, he/she must realize that being an authoritarian and/or bully won't work in a political environment. Plus, he/she must be ready for other politicians who will openly undermine him/her, just because it helps them politically.

Also, businesses operate to earn a profit and to serve the owners/shareholders. Governments operate to meet the needs of the public. Those are two entirely different things. It would take an awfully pragmatic business leader to become an effective President.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jul 16 at 2015 9:32 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:32:21 -0400

I don't think so - unless they have the leadership skills of a Nehemiah! I'd vote for Nehemiah even if he was a democrat because I'd know that he had the people's interest at heart and wanted to do "the right thing" based on the knowledge available! If someone would come along who had the vision and compassion for the people of this great country to do what in necessary for ALL people regardless of political agenda and financial gain (I know, this is dreaming) I would hope that ALL Americans would vote for this person! The problem with most "business executives" is they are controlled by financial gain/success - and I don't think that's what our country needs the most!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 16 at 2015 9:35 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:35:22 -0400

Possible.

We've had several Business Executives make excellent Governors. If we work under the assumption that the President is a very similar role to that of a Governor (Senior Executive of the State), then in theory it should scale as well. Examples include George Bush, Mitt Romney, and Gary Johnson.

So that said, I think the premise has validity. It then boils down to who would be a good choice.

Let's look at our options. The requirements would be American Born, over the age of 35. That excludes Elon Musk (South African) and Richard Branson (British)... but what about Disney's CEO Robert "Bob" Iger.

I throw that name out there, only because there are two brands which have true "worldwide recognition" Coca-cola & Disney. As it stands Disney is a monster of a Corporation, and does exceedingly well, and if anyone could run America like a Corporation, and do it well, Bob Iger would be it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 9:35 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:35:25 -0400

It's a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose, powers, and requirements of a government to treat it like a business. A businessman-president is a liability because they are less likely to understand the crucial distinctions and therefore govern well. A reactionary tool like Trump, with his multiple bankruptcies, is therefore doubly-bad.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 16 at 2015 9:42 AM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:42:44 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Yes on the question and No on Trump, so my answer depends on the person. We need someone who will deeply consider the 2nd and 3rd order effects of immediate decisions. I don't see Trump in this camp. George W. Bush was the last business executive who was President and the RP community and American public is still split down the middle on him.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 10:15 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 10:15:21 -0400

The idea seems like a good one. It has the potential to be a good thing for the U.S. The only thing that would concern me is the rest of the government and the political parties. We could elect the greatest president in U.S. history and not have it do us any good. I feel that right now the whole system is broken. With to many people looking out for them selves. They are of the mind set that if it dose not benefit them they don't want it. We have gotten away form "by the people for the people". So until we can get back to that statement which I feel dose apply to everyone in a government position. We are fighting a battle of what is the lesser evil. Having said all that I feel that we need to stop being concerned with one aspect of a potential president such as was he a successful CEO or business man and start being more concerned with the whole person. I hear it said in the military a lot these days on how they are putting a lot of focus on the whole person concept. What I am proposing is similar. We need to be looking at where does their interest lie? What skills do they have to qualify them for the job? What is their track record? Lastly what is the potential damage they can do? Their are many other things we should take the time to look at I just listed a few.

Having said all that would I vote for a business man yes its possible depending on the other choices and I do not see parties I see individual people. As of right now I will not make any nominations as who I think would be good.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 16 at 2015 10:33 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 10:33:30 -0400

I find the cartoon hilarious!
Every business I have ever worked for was so risk adverse they were afraid to change the brand of toilet paper! The best way to get your walking papers was to try something and fail. The idea that someone who's entire risk aperture is one financial quarter wide would make a decent POTUS is likewise hilarious.

Response by SGT Ronnie Warford made Jul 16 at 2015 10:38 AM

SGT Ronnie Warford — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 10:38:16 -0400

Are you talking about Trump being a president?

Response by Capt Michael Halpin made Jul 16 at 2015 10:55 AM

Capt Michael Halpin — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 10:55:44 -0400

A business executive could be a good president if he has been a successful businessman. Anyone who has built a successful billion business has the required skills. He knows how to win and recover from his losses. He surely would know how to set major goals, hire good people to accomplish them and give them the authority to do so. Political skills are required for success in business. Reagan is a classic example of this as the best president of the 20th century. Unfortunately so is Obama, although their visions for America are complete opposites. If he believes in freedom, the constitution and free enterprise Trump would be a welcome change from politicians who believe that all answers must come from government.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 11:09 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 11:09:36 -0400

I'll ask in rebuttal, have the career politicians done a great job? Do career politicians listen to their constituents or their peers? What real world qualifications do career politicians have, outside of pandering?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 16 at 2015 11:33 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 11:33:56 -0400

H. Ross Perot, Dr. Ron Paul, and Herman Cain come to mind as businessmen who I believe have/had the ability to lead America.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 11:40 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 11:40:22 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs how about a top business executive with military experience? He/She brings the following to the table with is sorely lacking in recent history:
* knowing how to work as part of a TEAM;
* organizational skills, such as planning and PROPER use of resources;
* EFFECTIVE communication skills;
* defining a goal and MOTIVATING others to follow it;
* a highly developed sense of ETHICS; and
* the ability to remain CALM under pressure.
As of September 30, 2005, companies led by CEOs with military experience delivered higher average returns than the S&P 500 index over the one, three, five and ten-year horizons. Unfortunately, this pool of talent is shrinking as the percentage of S&P 500 CEOs who have military experience was 9% in 2005, a seven-point decrease from the 16% figure from five years prior.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 12:01 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 12:01:04 -0400

I don't see any business executive as being ready from the start to make decisions that may not immediately affect the bottom line. Pursuing strategic goals in defense of the country doesn't always lead to the most efficient decisions, mainly because you are dealing with personalities and emotions on a grand scale. Sometimes effectiveness outweighs efficiency. The responsibilities of the presidency are greater than that of a governor, so I don't believe that experience immediately qualifies one to be president. It doesn't hurt, but is not the deciding factor for my vote. It comes down to the personal philosophical stance of the individual, the platform goals he/she supports, and if those goals are applicable to the needs of the country at that moment in time.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 16 at 2015 12:18 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 12:18:06 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, the founding fathers and early members of Congress and many presidents were people who were not professional politicians - farmers, clergymen, and more than a few businessmen. People aspiring to the highest elected office in this land should have extensive experience in both leading and managing people and resources which are both critical aspects of national leadership. The best Presidential leaders have been those who have both governed states successfully while working with legislatures that included members of their own party and opposing party(ies). Most good national leaders also have business experience. One significant problem that our nation is faced with is no inherent throttle on the good idea fairy as viewed from the office of the President. It would be good to have somebody leading from the oval office who recognizes that they do not have the authority to obligate the nation with blank checks which will be made good by future generations.
I am not in favor of Donald Trump for President. I was saddened when Herman Cain was driven from the race. He was a much better candidate than Donald Trump. LTC John Shaw, LTC Stephen C., COL Jean (John) F. B., SGT Private RallyPoint Member, CW5 Private RallyPoint Member, CW5 Charlie Poulton, SGM Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jul 16 at 2015 1:47 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 13:47:11 -0400

Okay I am biased, I have a love Hate relationship with Southwest Air. I love their business model, but i Hate fly on them, I like my seat reserved. But besides that nuance my vote is for Gary Kelly CEO of Southwest. Why, lets look at the US government for a moment, massively bloated, inefficient, and blows money like it was nobodies business. This is guy who operates since its founding one type of aircraft, the Boeing 737 series. As a 915 WO, I love this concept. Would some one come along and streamline government this way? God I can only wish.

Response by CPL Brian Clouser made Jul 16 at 2015 2:04 PM

CPL Brian Clouser — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 14:04:44 -0400

Depends on the Business executive, after all we had an actor that was a damn good president

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jul 16 at 2015 3:50 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 15:50:55 -0400

I wonder. I think public and private sectors are so different that he or she would have a hard time. If you can find an exec that's a master at working with people he has no power over and disagrees with immensely, it might be a welcome change.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 6:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 18:30:54 -0400

I'm not sure. The Kennedys were business folks, the Bushs were business folks, Regean was a businessman. They were pretty good Presidents. As far as I know, all of them kept their businesses afloat and separate from their day job. If you're wondering about Trump, NO! He's too big of a business man. He's also rude, crude, and socially unacceptable. He's loves himself a little too much for this voter. He may be serious, but time will have to tell, if he will hang in that long. He might be another Perot.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 6:41 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 18:41:09 -0400

I'd rather see the country run by someone who has successfully managed a large non-profit. We don't need a president who can make a profit. We need a president who can get congress to successfully work within a constrained budget.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Jul 17 at 2015 7:59 AM

SSG Donald Mceuen — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 07:59:41 -0400

If they have made this kind of sucsses they could be more of a dictator. They tell you
what to do and you do it or get let go. As pres. they can not do this and that could cause
more problems. I like trump but feel he is a dictator..

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Dec 16 at 2015 3:13 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 03:13:27 -0500

Being a business executive of an airline is very different from being the POTUS. The POTUS is political; whereas a BE is administrative for starters. The POTUS represents a nation; whereas the BE represents a firm within the nation. This is why Trump has already stumbled, even before he has started his race. It is also the reason why GWWB fell into the pit of lies, when trying to direct a political decision. The POTUS is not a position from where you can tell The People that they should only do as they are told and not do as you do in the top spot.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 16 at 2015 10:21 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 10:21:01 -0500

California tried that. We elected Arnold Schwartzenegger governor. He is a very successful businessman. He made some very legitimate proposals for reigning in government but, alas, there is a vast chasm between managing a business and governing. The establishment politicians in Sacramento ignored him and Arnold turned to the people attempting to implement his proposals via popular referendums. Sadly, the people didn't get it, and Arnold didn't know how to build a consensus. Military leaders and business leaders are more like dictators than political leaders. Like dictators they rule by decree and are maintained in "office" so long as they are successful. Unlike dictators they don't have secret police and other forms of coercion to maintain them in power. Eisenhower was the rare exception. As the Supreme Allied Commander in the ETO during WWII, he was more of a politician than a military leader.

An American political leader benefits from whatever background they bring to the office to which they are elected. Military. Business. Whatever. However, a politician who is elected to high office without the benefit of serving in lesser offices is like a military officer jumping from private to general. (Yes, it really is a silly image, isn't it? But an apt metaphor. Barack Obama is the perfect example.)

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Dec 16 at 2015 11:04 AM

PV2 Scott Goodpasture — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 11:04:02 -0500

I think a Business executive with military experience that has proven he or she is loyal to the United States would be awesome.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Dec 16 at 2015 1:12 PM

MAJ Alvin B. — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 13:12:55 -0500

We have had business men as President in the past (e.g. Harry Truman). A modern MBA may or may not be a good candidate for President. The experience in and of itself is not an indicator of potential success and may even be a hindrance. A business must make profit to survive, and therefore tends to eliminate unprofitable activities, a nation-state on the underhand must ensure survival of the body politic as well as provide services which do not turn a profit.
Modern business techniques may help a nation become more effective and efficient. However, it takes more than business acumen to steer the ship of state.

Potential Candidates [Not endorsements] if natural born Americans and they meet the COnsittutional requirements, might include:

Warren Buffet
Bill Gates
Jack Welch
Mark Cuban
Patrica Woertz
Tim Cook
Koch Brothers
Phebe Novakovic

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Dec 17 at 2015 9:50 AM

SGT Francis Wright — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 09:50:17 -0500

A lot of your big business executives are Military Academy Graduates. Either from the service schools or from state Military Academy ie; Texas A&M.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Dec 17 at 2015 12:21 PM

SSG Keith Cashion — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 12:21:00 -0500

Here is what I see in this question COL Mikel Burroughs. Would a Business Executive make a Good President? Yes and No. We have business Executives that are really great at managing Multi-Billion Dollar companies and still fail. What is the average life span of a CEO, from what I see 2 years. Something goes wrong, stocks drop, does something stupid, Gone in Sixty-Seconds!. We need someone that has that talent, but also understands the Constitution, the Laws of this Nation, Has a clue about Foreign Policy and lets our allies and enemies know "We do not back down or Pander to their will." We need a President, that looks to fix what is broken in our Country first, over every one else's (Poverty, Education, Homelessness, VA, etc, etc, etc).

The problem with some of our Career Politicians, is just that. They have made a career of just lip service. We can't even get the Annual Budget passed on time. When was the last time our budget was passed on time? I think our problem with that is that at the last minute, "The Career Politicians (Business Men) are trying to slip in these last minute riders in hopes of getting some pet project funded.

So, what we are looking is a President, that is well rounded, and understands the country and it's needs. Doesn't have to be the SME on everything, that is what he has a Staff for. But needs to listen and understand what his staff is advising him on and be able to ask the questions, and also work with the other two branches of the government. Executive order is a double edge sword, and should be used smartly.

Damn tangents....did it again.

Half Nickel of the Day

Response by COL Ted Mc made Dec 17 at 2015 5:46 PM

COL Ted Mc — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 17:46:06 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs - Mikel; The odds are against it.

From "The Hill" [October 18, 2012]

History shows businessmen make bad presidents

All the surveys produce remarkably similar results. The top tier is always Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin and Teddy Roosevelt, Wilson and Truman. The only post-19th century presidents to crack the bottom quartile are George W. Bush and Warren Harding. An aggregate of the five surveys that included W rank him 34th; presidents ranked lower include such notables as Millard Fillmore, James Buchanan and Andrew Johnson.

For post-19th century presidents, the highest ranked are the Roosevelts, Truman, and Eisenhower. The lowest ranked are Hoover, Coolidge, George W. Bush and Harding. Harding was very successful in business but is consistently rated as one of the worst presidents, so one of the most successful businessmen was a conspicuous failure as president.

The majority of U.S. presidents have been lawyers or career politicians, 21 were both. There were eight generals, some engineers and professors, an actor, and a smattering from other professions. The unquestionably successful businessmen were Andrew Johnson (tailor), Harding (newspaperman), Hoover (mining), Jimmy Carter (farmer), and George H.W. Bush (oilman). Truman, who did so poorly in business he sought public sector employment to make ends meet, became a great president.

Many questions have been raised about George W. Bush's success as a businessman. Some have attributed what success he did have to his connections and his name. His oil business did poorly, but he made over 15 times his original investment in the Texas Rangers. Historians and scholars do not rate him highly as a president. A 2010 poll of presidential scholars ranked him 39th, below Millard Fillmore. The verdict on Bush: mixed to marginal as a businessman, failure as a president.

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/presidential-campaign/262749-history-shows-businessmen-make-bad-presidents

History shows businessmen make bad presidents

Republicans make much of Mitt Romney's experience as a businessman and tell us it predicts success as president. But is there a precedent for this, a track record of business success correlating with presidential success? In a word, no. Historically, the relationship between business success and presidential success is zero, perhaps even inverse.Many surveys have ranked our presidents in terms of their achievements and success or failure in...

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 18 at 2015 5:55 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 17:55:30 -0500

Good Query. I think Bush was an CEO of an Oil Company (His example doesn't bode well) So was his Daddy but Daddy was also Head of the CIA and Ambassador to China when we restored relations. Most Common Occupation for Presidents has been Lawyers if I am not mistaken. We are a Land of Laws and Lawyers understand it pretty good. The Skill Sets that make a Good CEO might be Diametrically Opposed to the Skill Sets for a President but I really don't know. Also I would prefer if we actually do go looking for a CEO of the Country that it be a Successful CEO one that hasn't had Several Marriages and Several Bankruptcies. I think I would be all for Bill Gates if he Ran for President.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Dec 18 at 2015 6:37 PM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 18:37:30 -0500

Right now we have a an "X" community organizer as president - Look where this has taken us! We need someone with more business sense.

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Dec 19 at 2015 11:15 AM

PFC Stephen Eric Serati — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 11:15:09 -0500

No!Their bottom line is profit.

Response by V.K. Aravind made Feb 19 at 2016 8:14 PM

V.K. Aravind — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 20:14:51 -0500

Why not ? Certainly Can !

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Feb 20 at 2016 10:52 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 10:52:14 -0500

Here is the link to the article:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/would-business-executive-make-good-president-joel-peterson?trk=pulse-det-nav_art

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Feb 20 at 2016 11:48 AM

LCpl Cody Collins — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 11:48:55 -0500

If we go back in history and look at a lot of the former president and military generals when this country was first founded, most of them were farmers and businessman and inventors. And when the country needed them they all step up to the plate. Donald Trump ben Carson are no exception one should not have to be a professional politician to qualify sitting in the Oval Office or the post office. When we look back at the nation when our government was full of people like Benjamin Franklin Thomas Jefferson George Washington John Hancock excetera excetera they were all slave owners, which was a business very big business. Abraham Lincoln failed at multiple businesses and elections, but when he finally won the White House he turned out to be one of the best presidents this country could ever have. No president should be one dimensional and I think it would not hurt if every president serve in the military in some capacity. I think Donald Trump has a unique perspective because 99% of our career politicians have big money and big business tied up in various governments around the world, and they don't want to see a person like Donald Trump in the White House because he know the scam when he sees one he's a businessman. Also the majority of politicians sitting in the Congress and Senate and even those running for the office of President have come to Donald Trump at one time or another and ask for campaign money to fund their campaigns during various elections so Donald Trump has a lot of them by the throat, because he knows who he gave money to when they ran for office and at what time and he also knows what they promise to do for him for giving such money. Right now our government is full of lawyers we have hundreds of lawyers city in the Senate seats congressional seats staffed around the President of the United States, everybody is a lawyer in Washington DC and look at the condition of our country so why not try a business person in the Oval Office, he's just one person. Frankly I would rather have the majority in the Senate and Congress then the one seat in the Oval Office.

Response by SGT David Emme made Feb 20 at 2016 6:50 PM

SGT David Emme — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 18:50:18 -0500

A business exec could make a good president but is not guaranteed. I would emphasize potentiality as opposed to certainty.

Response by SGT Eliyahu Rooff made Feb 21 at 2016 12:46 AM

SGT Eliyahu Rooff — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 00:46:29 -0500

One of the problems with the idea of a CEO as President is that the goals of a large business are not the same as the goals of a nation, and you cannot run a country the same way you'd run a business any more than you can run the military the same way a business is run. It just doesn't work.

Response by SGT Christopher Premore made Feb 21 at 2016 4:26 PM

SGT Christopher Premore — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 16:26:53 -0500

I say yes since the government is basically a business.

Response by V.K. Aravind made Feb 22 at 2016 7:42 PM

V.K. Aravind — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 19:42:48 -0500

Business Executive / entrepreneur can effectively be a better President than a politician but he can never be a military leader b'cause he is a civilian. A General can be good President as well in a democratic country !

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2016 3:35 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 15:35:21 -0500

Some Business Executives would and many would not.

Things needed that many do not have.
1. True love of the country.
2. One that really knows what the workers below have to do, as in he has made his own kids work with shovels before advancing them.
3. Money minded is one thing but one that has power greed that is willing to sell anything to gain in their eyes advancements, riches etc is very bad. You want the type that does not have this excessive power greed.
4. Trust worthiness of other peoples lives in the military services.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 29 at 2016 12:54 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 12:54:04 -0500

We will soon see with PE Trump.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 29 at 2016 1:08 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 13:08:49 -0500

most likely ... because the Government is like a big business and there is way too much waste in the government and maybe he could cut it out...

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Nov 30 at 2016 11:31 AM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 11:31:32 -0500

Not This One!

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Nov 30 at 2016 12:55 PM

SFC Randy Purham — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 12:55:01 -0500

I think a business acumen is a great quality of a President. After all, most of the dealings and meetings are consisting of business oriented matters; who better than a person with a business background to handle those affairs? If we think back to President Bush (43), his degree was in Business Administration and the economy was doing pretty well prior to the kick-off of OEF.

With the impending administration selections so far, I predict one or two things: either the nation will become very wealthy and business oriented again. Or, a lot of insiders will become very rich and we will be in abysmal mess as a nation.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Dec 11 at 2016 9:49 AM

TSgt George Rodriguez — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 09:49:23 -0500

Why not give him the chance and see what he can do. After all We chose an actor in Reagan and he turned out to be one of the best.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Dec 14 at 2016 9:17 AM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 09:17:47 -0500

We have one! He survived a brutal primary and an even more brutal general election. When the going got tough, he got tougher.

Response by SGT James Colwell made Dec 14 at 2016 9:53 AM

SGT James Colwell — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 09:53:42 -0500

I have argued for some time that the US is NOT a business. I still see it that way, however I see no reason why we should not have a person with a business acumen as POTUS. The reason for that, at least in the case of our PEOTUS, I am seeing a dramatic decline in political pandering, and that is something we sorely need. I am also seeing in PEOTUS what appears to be a desperately needed ability to choose really good people as heads of the various departments. Time will tell whether or not this role is best filled by a business executive. Regardless of their background, the person who is POTUS needs to understand who his or her stockholders are and what they need from the Oval Office. POTUS needs to put the needs of the Unites States as a whole ahead of his or her own personal power or that of whichever party they are affiliated with, and without question ahead of any special interest groups. Can any business executive do that? It's time to find out. For sure, we have not had any career politicians do that in a very long time.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2016 6:55 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 18:55:55 -0500

I really believe that a GOOD Business Executive can be a GOOD President. After a few decades of professional politicians who seem only to care about advancing their own political careers and becoming wealthy at the expense of us, the tax payers, I certainly want to give it a try! In the present case, Mr. Trump is NOT repaying political favors or thanking his cabinet and other appointments. Rather, he appears to be carefully selecting QUALIFIED candidates for each position..
At any rate, let us all take a "wait and see" approach.

Response by SPC David McPherson made Dec 15 at 2016 10:00 AM

SPC David McPherson — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 10:00:15 -0500

Would a Business Executive make a good President? In some ways. I would have to say yes, and in some ways, I would have to say no.
A President should, first and foremost serve the People of the United States. This in itself is the main reason I would have to say NO to the above question. Years ago Business Owners/Executives had the company and employee's welfare/success as their main objectives. Now a days it's all about themselves and how much money they can make. They tend to only serve themselves now.
Naturally there are a few other reasons I would say no, but I won't list them here now, (for time and space reasons) so I will go on to give the main reason I think YES to the above question.
A business owner/executive should have two main goals in this day and age. SUCCESS for the business through marketing, manufacturing, and sales of the product; RELIABILITY of the Company/Product. If the business or product does what it says it is supposed to do, when it's supposed to do it, and for as long as it's supposed to do it, more people will buy it.
So, America as a business needs SUCCESS and RELIABILTY in order to remain the best country on earth. By keeping jobs in America, and by the manufacturing, marketing, and sales of "MADE IN AMERICA" products, both of the two goals will be met, and it will take someone with a business/management background to accomplish those goals.

Response by MAJ Dick Farnsworth made Dec 15 at 2016 12:08 PM

MAJ Dick Farnsworth — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 12:08:43 -0500

Business and government are profoundly different, but so too is military and government, and Eisenhower and Grant did remarkably well in both. Of course Carter did poorly, so the point can and maybe should be made that it is the person, not his background. I think that especially true comparing veterans of similar jobs, state governors for example. Bush and Clinton did poorly, but Reagan did well. Government service is no guarantee of success, Bush 41 and Nixon did not do well as example. Being a senator is no guarantee of success, Obama and Johnson were abysmal failures, though Truman managed to pull success out of a rocky start. What the heck, maybe a business man will do better than the traditional avenues.

Response by PFC James Craft made Dec 16 at 2016 2:10 AM

PFC James Craft — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 02:10:47 -0500

H. Ross Perot was dropped like a hot rock. The other to time Trump tried to campaign no one even remembers it, he wanted Jesse Vantura as his running mate last time.

Response by PFC James Craft made Dec 17 at 2016 12:02 AM

PFC James Craft — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 00:02:14 -0500

But you think an orange failed businessman cares more for us then his bank account??

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Aug 19 at 2018 8:52 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 20:52:20 -0400

We are seeing this already so the basic question is answered in my humble opinion.