(ThyBlackMan.com) “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”
William Shakespeare famously wrote that phrase in his “Henry IV, Part II.” This saying is especially apropos now that we are all on the cusp of what I refer to as silly season. It happens every 4 years. Silly season is the period of time when a legion of politicians wrestle with this question pursuant to the Oval Office: to run – or not to run? It’s the time when prospective presidential candidates form exploratory committees, PACs, super PACs, and begin assembling campaign staffs. It’s the time when presidential candidates release books and/or memoirs – with the intention of being asked to appear on cable or network news shows so they can then pretend to be surprised when the question of their potential run for the White House comes up. Just as each professional sport has its second season, the playoffs – politics, too, has its second season. Silly season.
I dedicate this particular op-ed column entry to every Republican candidate for President in 2016. This goes out to Congresswoman Michele Bachman (MN), John R. Bolton – former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Governor Jeb Bush (FL), Dr. Ben Carson, Governor Chris Christie (NJ), US Senator Bob Corker (TN), US Senator Ted Cruz (TX), Governor Bob Ehrlich (MD), businesswoman Carly Fiorina, Governor Jim Gilmore (VA), Senator Lindsey Graham (SC), Governor Mike Huckabee (AR), Governor Bobby Jindal (LA), Congressman Peter King (NY), Governor Mitt Romney (MA), Senator Marco Rubio (FL), former Senator Rick Santorum (PA), Governor Scott Walker (WI), Governor George Pataki (NY), Senator Rand Paul (KY), Governor Mike Pence (IN), Governor Rick Perry (TX), Governor Rick Scott (FL), Governor Rick Synder (MI) – and all of their supporters and campaign contributors. My list does not include Governor Sarah Palin (AK) or business magnate Donald Trump because I’m dealing only with real contenders, not mere pretenders.
I also dedicate this to every Democratic candidate for President in 2016. This is for Vice President of the United States Joe Biden (DE), United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Governor Andrew Cuomo (NY), Senator Al Franken (MN), Congressman Luis Gutiérrez (IL), Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), Governor Martin O’Malley (MD), Governor Ed Rendell (PA), Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA), Senator Jim Webb (VA) – and everyone supporting them.
I’m giving a shout-out to every Independent candidate for President in 2016 – including Governor Gary Johnson (NM), Dennis M. Lynch, Senator Bernie Sanders (VT), and Jill Stein – and every member of their faithful followers.
Impartiality compels me to share with you that I listed all the 2016 presidential candidates alphabetically, not by my personal preference or by their viability.
Of course, of those aforementioned women and men vying to be the next American President, the laws of political physics are still very much in effect. Half of those people are legitimate candidates with the prerequisite bona fides and gravitas – and they will put forth legitimate campaigns. Conversely, half of those people are illegitimate candidates – and the flickering flame on the illegitimate candle representing their fantastical campaigns will be quickly extinguished.
So you want to be the Commander-in-Chief? You aspire to be the leader of the free world? You want to take up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Ok, then. Here’s how not to do it.
Don’t go out on the campaign trail and promise things you know you cannot deliver. While it might sound bold for a candidate to promise the American people 70 degree weather everyday framed by blue skies with no clouds and a gentle breeze blowing in from the east, the instant a cold front moves in, you’re done for. It’s silly season.
Don’t be anyone other than yourself. If poor people and their concerns aren’t passions of yours, please don’t act as if they are. The American people will quickly see through your façade, and you will lose their respect and their vote – in short order. Silly season brings consequences.
Don’t be a drone. This point concurrently amuses and agonizes me. Someone somewhere etched into stone the notion that in order to become the American President, you must attack, attack, attack. Never, ever compliment your would-be predecessor. Diminish his achievements, policies, and vision. Insult him personally if necessary, just stick to that 19th century political playbook. In 2015, that’s as silly as a Krispy Kreme donut in a pot of turnip greens.
Don’t shoot yourself in the foot. Stop insulting/devaluing women, people of color, and young people – the very constituents you need in order to win. Enough said.
Even if you win, you’ll lose. Being president is prestigious, but thankless. Everyone’s your critic.
You don’t need me to tell you who’s real or not. The candidates will do a thorough job of that themselves. All you have to do is watch and listen.
Candidates, start your engines. Let the season of silliness commence in earnest.
Staff Writer; Arthur L. Jones, III
This talented brother is a local Minister, weekly featured Democratic Op-Ed columnist, non-profit advisor, and sees the Braves winning it all this fall. Rev. Jones welcomes your comments! Please email him directly at: tcdppress@gmail.com.