I think it is important for readers to know that it is possible to bring intellectualism and idealism to the White House and still be political enough to advance an agenda.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Every White House has had its intellectuals, but very few presidents have been intellectuals themselves - Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Woodrow Wilson, the list more or less stops there.
There is a need for a vision that's compelling and uplifting, especially in a time when people are worried. At the same time, in this era, hard work and lofty rhetoric are not going to compel you to the presidency.
Once a president gets to the White House, the only audience that is left that really matters is history.
As a writer, I have readers who will have a range of political views. I don't think they look to me for political guidance.
Once you articulate an agenda, you have to follow it.
It must be remembered that the Bush White House has a separate talent for character assassination that must not be confused with a talent for governance.
I certainly believe that improving our intelligence is of important national interest.
Politics is not a game for naive thinkers. You may go in as an idealist, but you certainly won't come out as one.
My experience is the White House is not a very good place to coordinate intelligence, much less to integrate it.
The White House has a secular, humanistic agenda.