Assessing Presidential Character: A James D. Barber Perspective

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Choosing a president can be very challenging. There are many things we as citizens look for in a candidate. For example, goals, visions, etc. We always want what is best for our country and for our families. James D. Barber looks into one thing, which is the candidate’s character. This essay will explain James D. Barber’s theory. It will also criticize the placement of five presidents in the typology he has created. James D. Barber is a man who explains to us how we should elect a president. He bases his analysis on the candidate’s character. The character can be, the way this individual views the world. It can be the style of government; it can also be the way this individual relates to others. With this theory, James has created a typology. This typology has four categories, Active positive described as the “best” president. Second, Active-negative described as the “worst” president. Third, Passive-positive described as a weak president. Last, passive- negative also described as a weak president. James has evaluated many presidents and placed them in this typology like, JFK, Bush, Eisenhower, Hoover, Wilson, Reagan and many more. It is fair to He evaluated him under active-negative, which is known as “the worst” president. The reason why I agree with him is because Nixon’s character was not the best. Yes, he had great experience because he had been a congress man, US senator and vice president. Nevertheless, he still failed as president. He did not really have a view on the world. His obsession for power had blinded him; he believed he was on top of the law because he was president. He was also not very loyal to the people. Nixon lied about ending America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. However, he increased the involvement. Nixon was impeached, but before that happened he decided to resign. I personally believe that if a president does not have a good character, he will not be very

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