The Political President

The President is, in essence, a super-politician. The President has reached the pinnacle of the American political game. Therefore, you cannot separate the President from politics despite the wishes of some. The President uses political power in a number of ways including as the leader of his political party and through access to the media.

- Chief of Political Party
  The President has, historically, engaged in political patronage by appointing loyal party supporters to certain government jobs. While much of that was done away with in the late 1800s through the creation of the civil service, it still exists in less noticeable ways. (i.e. - US Ambassador to _name that tropical location_ )

- Power for Persuade
  The President, by the nature of the position and the media, has access to "the bully pulpit". This affords the President the opportunity to try and persuade people and/or direct the tone and nature of the debate. To be President, you have to have some ability to do this.

The President & Public Approval
The President needs the support of certain constituencies in order to get things done.
- national electorate
- party members
- key members of opposing party
- Washington

Public approval is the ultimate check on Presidential power.
- high approval ratings = get lots of stuff done
- low approval ratings = Congress won't work with you
- all Presidents start with highest approval ratings they will likely achieve (honeymoon effect)
- military action can increase popularity (rally around the flag effect)
- prolonged military action will decrease popularity
- President may "go public" to gain popular support for agenda (pressure Congress)

How has the recent Syria crisis and response illustrated the above?

But, also consider this....

When evaluating Presidential approval....


Americans tend to look at their wallets.

Agree or disagree??