# Who would you pick to be President? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [March 22, 2023, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502 "2023-03-22T15:54:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e8c25b/32.png) [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/61 "2023-03-23T00:25:56Z")
I’ll probably get pilloried for this, but I’d chose Liz Cheney. Not because I agree with her beliefs, not because I think she would usher in reforms or societal changes that would advance liberal, or even ethical, agenda. No, none of that would happen. But, as a nation, we would survive. It would put an abrupt end to the MAGA movement. That is the greatest threat to our nation and the sooner and deader we can make the MAGA movement, the better off everyone will be, MAGAts included. She would work with both the Democrats and Republicans in Congress to actually get things done. I am not sure that will happen with any Democrat, or most other Republicans. You will never get this current crop of Republican Senators and Representatives to work with any Democratic President. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/62 "2023-03-23T00:31:48Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > But, most likely, I would just vote no: we need to restructure the executive branch so that the central figure has basically no power of their own, acting more as a liason between the government and the people. I agree with this. If I couldn’t vote no, maybe I should pick one of the world’s existing constitutional monarchs. Make a study to find whichever of them seems most sincerely and completely both committed to democracy and uninterested in personal power. Pick them. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/63 "2023-03-23T00:34:17Z")
> [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](#): > > She would work with both the Democrats and Republicans in Congress to actually get things done. I just dunno’ about that. I respect _the hell_ out of her for her position on TFG and 1/6, but she has [**NeoCon**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_for_the_New_American_Century) in her DNA, meaning: I’d probably have to do a great deal more than hold my nose to pull the lever for her. But, truly, huge respect to her for throwing herself on an orange grenade. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/64 "2023-03-23T02:00:13Z")
I’d vote for a third term for Obama. If I can’t do that, Elizabeth Warren or AOC. ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/65 "2023-03-23T05:04:19Z")
Chat GPT ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/66 "2023-03-23T12:43:00Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > maybe I should pick one of the world’s existing constitutional monarchs But none of them wields executive power. A ceremonial head of state (hosting state visits, being polite to all and sundry and visiting community events and activities to acknowledge and promote good works) is one thing. Actually directing government (knocking heads together, doing deals to get legislation through and executive implementation, persuading the public that something unpopular is the right thing to do, etc) is very different - and takes a lot more than having the right image and opinions. ---
**Author:** ![BeepKillBeep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9e8a1a/32.png) [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/67 "2023-03-23T12:54:21Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > If I couldn’t vote no, maybe I should pick one of the world’s existing constitutional monarchs. Sorry, I prefer my monarchs selected by some watery tart throwing swords at them. It is the only way to be sure of their divine right to wield supreme executive power. ---
**Author:** ![vbob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vbob/32/4439_2.png) [@vbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vbob)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/68 "2023-03-23T13:04:34Z")
> [@xtenkfarpl](#): > > Reminds me of an SF story where someone gets a knock on the door by people saying, you are now the World President. Our protagonist says, I don’t want the job. > > To which of course they reply: “Exactly, anyone who wanted the job is automatically disqualified. But you have been selected. Now come and do your service”. > > Maybe this should go into the thread of identifying SF stories…? Heinlein’s “The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress” has an extended riff on methods of choosing a leader who least wants to be the leader. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/69 "2023-03-23T13:11:09Z")
IIRC Heinlein also advocated for using something other than “where you live” as a basis for picking representatives, a concept I’ve always found intriguing. Gretchen Whitmer would be my pick. Heck, she’s my choice for 2024 and I _like_ Joe Biden. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/70 "2023-03-23T13:17:44Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > > [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](#): > > > > She would work with both the Democrats and Republicans in Congress to actually get things done. > > I just dunno’ about that. I respect _the hell_ out of her for her position on TFG and 1/6, but she has [**NeoCon**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_for_the_New_American_Century) in her DNA, meaning: I’d probably have to do a great deal more than hold my nose to pull the lever for her. > > But, truly, huge respect to her for throwing herself on an orange grenade. No matter how admirable, my vote would never be for a Republican, for the simple reason that we need to rebalance the SCOTUS and a Republican would only make it worse. Based on the thread, I’ll throw in my support for Whitmer. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/71 "2023-03-23T13:19:21Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > A Kindergarten teacher. Doesn’t much matter which one. [Sue Murray for President!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0x16nD1vh8) ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/72 "2023-03-23T13:19:22Z")
I’d vote for Wavy Gravy. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/73 "2023-03-23T13:27:07Z")
Deez Nuts! … ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/74 "2023-03-23T13:27:56Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > If I couldn’t vote no, maybe I should pick one of the world’s existing constitutional monarchs. Yes, I also considered just giving them a proper King, or Queen. Market it as, “America was founded on notion that The People were best suited to govern themselves. Well, the last twenty years have proven that _that’s_ a crock! 40% of the people don’t even bother to vote, half of those who do vote voted for an insane person, and half the people elected are determined to deny the vote to everyone on the opposite side. That’s not democracy, so fuck it, let democracy _really_ die! Long Live the King!” Put just the right condescending, sneering tone on it, and maybe we shame the US electorate into actually doing their job properly again. American Revolution 2.0! ---
**Author:** ![Crane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crane/32/3495_2.png) [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/75 "2023-03-23T13:41:28Z")
Joe Biden - nobody knows more about the system and the job than Biden. He’s been a steady hand in turbulent times. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/76 "2023-03-23T16:28:49Z")
The guy with the least votes wins, right? ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/77 "2023-03-23T16:46:58Z")
> [@xtenkfarpl](#): > > Reminds me of an SF story where someone gets a knock on the door by people saying, you are now the World President. In San Francisco? ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/78 "2023-03-23T16:49:03Z")
I’d pick myself. I think I’d do a great job. Yes, it’s a hugely difficult job, but I think it would be incredibly rewarding. ---
**Author:** ![Apodder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/apodder/32/17727_2.png) [@Apodder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apodder)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/79 "2023-03-23T17:23:21Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > understands the machinations of Washington power, This. This seems to be quite important. Who knew? /s ---
**Author:** ![phs3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8491ac/32.png) [@phs3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phs3)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2023, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502/80 "2023-03-23T19:23:25Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I would definitely tire of the negative comments by, say, week 3. Yep. And while I also like her, I don’t see her as electable not just because _gasp_ she’s no’ got a, you know, but because she comes across like a stern schoolteacher. Not that we don’t need it, but we know that almost half the country has no sense here, and sure won’t vote for someone they fear will hector them for the next four years. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-pick-to-be-president/981502.md?page=5)