Reply #14: I think I am saying that intelligence . . .

[msmcghee]

. . may be good for some types of complex problem solving - but high IQ is not necessary to be a good leader.

The qualities required for good leadership are integrity, fairness, respect for others, compassion, etc. I have known many people who did not have brilliant analytical minds - but who did have those qualities. I have also known many brilliant people who were complete assholes who I would not trust for a second. William Krystol and many other neo-cons are smart. Do you approve of their influence on US policy just because they are smart?

I think it is wrong to equate IQ with ethical qualities. People don't develop those qualities by reasoning. They get them from life experience and by example from parents, etc. As an adult you either have them or you don't.

The president of the US has at his disposal any top analyst (from either the US or any of our allies such as England, Canada, France, etc.) whom he could ask for advice. All that he needs is an open mind and a sense of integrity to find the best answers to the tough problems the US faces in the world. That doesn't mean that all problems have solutions that humans can solve. Just that it's useful to do our best to search for rational solutions - starting from a sense of integrity.

Added: I think Bush has adequate intelligence to lead. I think he lacks an ethical framework for the job. His speech impediments are not necessarily a sign of poor reasoning skills - and these skills are over-rated IMO as a prerequisite for leadership. I'd much rather have a well-meaning honest person of moderate intelligence running my country than a brilliant jerk if I had to make the choice.

Of course, I'd really prefer someone with both sides covered - like Hillary - or almost any of the Dem candidates, for that matter. ;-)