“Just viewed "It's a Wonderful Life" for the 3 millionth time, and also saw America becoming Pottersville. 1.3 million jobless are two days away from losing their extended unemployment benefits, Congress is readying another cut in food stamps, and 1 in 5 of our children is in poverty — at the same time the rip-roaring stock market has made the nation's wealthiest some 15 percent richer than they were this time last year. Who's your candidate for Mr. Potter of 2013? (The Koch brothers? Ted Cruz? Paul Ryan?) Your nominee for this year's George Bailey?” – Robert Reich in 2013

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My response to Robert Reich, in 2013, was not meant to be cynical, but sincere: 

"If I could find a George Bailey in the group, I'd support him or his sister, Georgia. No one is entirely Mr. Potter. No one is 100% George (not even George was). Remember that George was reluctant and had no ambition to do what he was called to do — so we might have to draft someone. I'd actually like to see that."

What if we could find a leader who was truly compassionate, wise, fair, just, conservative about what needs to be conserved, liberal about what needs to be shared, progressive about innovation and progress, regressive about decline, libertarian about personal liberties, utilitarian about necessities, pragmatic and idealistic, optimistic and realistic, firm on non-negotiable things and flexible enough to negotiate wherever possible, friendly and dignified, human but above reproach, honest, but diplomatic, strong yet vulnerable, self abasing yet confident, cheerful yet solemn, appreciative of counterpoints, yet able to make a decision …

and lots more? … Well …

That person might be the Son of God and Son of man and …

He/She would probably not want the job, but would consider what he/she was already doing to be more important … and …

Would not look good on camera … and …

Would be torn up by the left media or the right media or the centrist media or all combined … and …

Could not be nominated or elected … and …

Would appeal to virtually no one … and would do nothing to change that image … and 

"I knew George Bailey, Senator and you're no George Bailey …"

Not even George was!

So, given that scenario, let's just do the best we can, find a human being who can do the best he/she can, give him/her as much support as we can, pray for that person as much as we can … and realize that's the way it has always been with leadership: There has never been a perfect leader of any nation … and that includes the best of them.

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What would I say today? Well, more and less.