Gallup: Bush, Clintons Most Admired

Mark Impomeni,

I enjoy your columns as you have constantly challenged my views on numerous topics...whether I responded or not. There is a short bio of you on the Political Machine and the part I am ever mindful of is:

"Mark is an ideological conservative, although not a member of any political party."

So, I know we are not always going to agree, but I have learned a lot from you. Let's take President Bush for instance. I have not always agreed with the direction he has taken this country in or the methods he has used to do so. But, I still have an open mind. I learned earlier in life that there really is not "good" or "bad" per say. It is my judgmental nature and sometimes black and white thinking that put people in those categories.

He does have many traits to admire. I used to think his stubbornness was a character defect based solely on what I perceived to be his arrogance. What I have come to realize is that, for him, these are assets and arrogance and stubbornness are poor substitutes for a more positive way of looking at it. How about strong character and an unalterable ability to get the job done?

It has been argued recently that Congress has been ineffective with the Bush Administration because they thought (mistakenly) that they would have more leverage in his final year or so in office as he would be looking to secure his legacy through legislation. That has not happened. I will have plenty of time to digest who he really is (Bush) and what he accomplished after his Presidency is over. Does he belong on this list? Absolutely.

Sen. Clinton is very easy for me to see why she is at the top. Out of all the candidates that have ever run for office (since I was able to vote), her and I are as close of an ideological match as possible. She has a strong Foreign Policy and a strong Domestic Agenda, which I hope comes to fruition.

A note regarding the poll in general:

" Whoever is president has won the most-admired title every year since 1981.

Hillary Clinton, hoping to be president-elect by the time of the next poll, was named by 18 percent as the most-admired woman, the 12th time she's been in the top spot. Talk show host Winfrey came in a close second with 16 percent. First lady Laura Bush and actress Angelina Jolie were each selected by 3 percent."

I am hoping 13 becomes lucky for her next year.

Wishing you the best.

Sincerely and respectfully,

Mr. Clark