(Readers: Please note the blog is constructed as a story. While not all chapters are linked, after reading a few recent entries, you might want to start at the beginning. More about the blog, how the characters are constructed and about the author.)

Scene: Conversation resumes after coffee refills. POTUS had called Jordan for advice how to get Congress working together again.  Before the break, Jordan and POTUS discussed the approach to the presidency taken by Harry S. Truman. Beginning of conversation.

POTUS: “Jordan, you back on the line?”

Jordan: “Yes, sir.  Coffee cup refilled and ready.”

POTUS: “We were talking about using addressing infrastructure issues as a way to get Congress to start working together.  How do we get started?”

Jordan: “First, as general manager, you’ll need to lead the effort.”

POTUS: “OK.  What’s the best way to frame the problem and the solution?”

Jordan: “The problem…to me anyway…is the US needs to bring existing infrastructure up to world standards, and preferably the US should become the world standard.  Why?  We need infrastructure to maintain jobs and create new jobs.”

POTUS: “You said existing infrastructure.  You talking about rebuilding existing infrastructure?  Why not build new infrastructure?”

Jordan:  “If we rebuild existing infrastructure, I think we reduce the fight about taking away productive land or cutting down trees and then paving over with concrete.  Lots of resistance to taking that approach…and I happen to agree.  Rebuilding reduces the carbon footprint from these projects.”

POTUS: “But doesn’t rebuilding cost more?  Republicans will scream the projects are wasting taxpayer dollars.”

Jordan: “Here’s where you need to frame the cost in holistic terms rather than allowing critics to look at the cost of only one component.”

POTUS: “Tell me more of what you mean.”

Jordan: “I agree that say building a road over existing farmland is cheaper if one considers only the actual cost of construction.  But let’s look at the whole picture.”

POTUS: “You mean what is the cost of taking productive farm land out of production…forever.”

Jordan: “Yes, and what are we going to do with the old road?  If we leave it, there is no immediate cost but the road will need repair over time.”

POTUS: “What about the additional disruption to the environment and wildlife with the new road.  Such disruption occurred when the original road was built.  A new road is effectively doubling the negative impact on the environment.  Now I see what you mean by holistic approach.”

Jordan: “I know we are not supposed to mix religion and politics but there are numerous citations in the bible about being a good steward of the environment.  I wouldn’t be as blatant as some Republicans are but referencing Genesis now and then might help the argument.”

POTUS: “At least make the conservative Republicans think before resisting.  So you really believe much of the infrastructure can be rebuilt cost effectively?”

Jordan: “Here’s another angle.  People are going to whine that rebuilding is going to cause congestion and disrupt their lives.  So rather than apologize about the disruption, frame the disruption as an indicator of economic development, job creation.  Now everyone affected by the disruption is contributing to economic growth and helping reduce the carbon footprint.”

POTUS: “I like this approach.  So where do we start with one of these programs?”

Jordan: “Most successful projects I’ve been involved with have a pilot program.”

POTUS: “Smooth out the inevitable kinks.”

Jordan: “Exactly.  If I were you, I would start infrastructure rebuilding in places that have been hit hardest by either bad policy coming out of Washington or inaction by Washington.”

POTUS: “Such as?”

Jordan: “Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee.  All have been hard hit by poor economic policy, including tax policy that encourages companies to relocate elsewhere in the US and even worse, relocate outside the US.  The tax policy has benefited company executives and hurt the workers and these cities.”

POTUS: “People are going to resist rebuilding those cities.  Many will claim the cities are at fault, not Washington, and therefore the cities deserve to die on the vine.”

Jordan: “Pardon me for being rude, but Mr. President if you want to act like HST (Harry S. Truman) then do so and quit being concerned about what people think.  The buck stops in your office.”

POTUS: “No pardon necessary, Jordan.  Your comment is spot on.  And, yes, the buck does stop in the Oval Office.  I or whomever is president, needs to lead and do what’s right…and quit worrying about the polls.”

Jordan: “You and I know that some people will criticize you no matter what.  If you take the lead and act more like a general manager trying to build a team, the group that criticizes will become smaller and smaller.”

POTUS: “OK, Jordan, I got it.  Even if I don’t benefit personally, the next POTUS and the ones thereafter will.”

Jordan: “Mr. President, I think we have the start of a wonderful relationship between the White House and the public.  And the country will be much better off.”

Jordan: “I agree.  And, Jordan, thanks.”

(Readers: Please note the blog is constructed as a story. While not all chapters are linked, after reading a few recent entries, you might want to start at the beginning. More about the blog, how the characters are constructed and about the author.)

Scene: Jordan in office, receives phone call on private line.

Jordan: “Jordan Abel.”

POTUS: “Jordan, this is the president.”

Jordan: “Yes, Mr. President.  Nice to talk to you.  Been a while.  How may I help?”

POTUS: “Need some advice about getting Congress…and the country…to work together again.”

Jordan: “Again?”

POTUS: “I know.  It’s been probably 40-50 years since we had a real working Congress.  But after the revolution there’s hope.”

Jordan: “Glad you think so.  The people certainly think we need a working Congress.  Getting the two sides of the aisle to work together might take a while.”

POTUS: “Lao-tzu said a journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step.”

Jordan: “Like most people, I always assumed someone like Confucius said that.  But anyway, I think there is a critical first step.”

POTUS: “That step is?”

Jordan: “Clearly defining a goal that (i) is easy to understand (ii) has a specific timeline (iii) can be measured (iv) is relevant to most people.”

POTUS: “So you’re suggesting a rallying cry of sorts.”

Jordan: “Rallying cry…yes, of sorts.  But the goal has to have true meaning.  Not just some slogan.  Think about those times when the Congress and the country have worked together.”

POTUS: “WWII for certain.  Another was getting a man on the moon in the 1960’s.  I still marvel at how much was accomplished so quickly.  Post 9/11 for a while but not very long.  What other examples?”

Jordan: “Since WWII, not many.  Maybe the war on poverty.  But truth be known, that was more LBJ strong arming Congress than widespread support.”

POTUS: “Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act maybe also.  Probably not since both remain highly contentious today.”

Jordan: “What about trying to end the Cold War?”

POTUS: “That dragged on for a long time and took so many twists and turns, I’m not sure.”

Jordan: “So, as you said, it’s been 40-50 years, maybe longer since there was a program that was clearly understood and supported by the public and Congress.  This is not going to be easy.”

POTUS: “No wonder we had the revolution.  Alright, Jordan, what project do you suggest?  What’s going to get the country…or at least Congress working together again?”

Jordan: “Let’s take a look at what needs to get fixed.  Something that’s easy to understand.”

POTUS: “What are some big needs – energy independence, or at least less reliance on other countries.  Improving the environment.  Creating jobs.  Increasing real wages of most people.  Fixing infrastructure.  Reforming…no rebuilding the education system.  Is that enough of a list to get started?”

Jordan: “Now we need to take one of those…and I’m not sure it matters which one…and break it into pieces that people understand.”

POTUS: “…and a project with minimal politics.  Sometime politics baffles me.  For example, I still cannot understand why so-called conservative Republicans are so opposed to some basics of education…like science.”

Jordan: “You and I both know that for many people, religious beliefs trump facts.”

POTUS: “I know but religion and science are not mutually exclusive.”

Jordan: “Now there you go using logic again.  I agree with you by the way.  What’s ironic is that science becomes even more marvelous and fascinating when you add religion on top of it.”

POTUS: “OK, we’ll never convince some people so let’s pick a project.”

Jordan: “What about rebuilding infrastructure?  Roads, bridges, airports and rail in this country need serious repair and upgrades.”

POTUS: “Add electric and electronic infrastructure to the list.”

Jordan: “Good add.”

POTUS: “Alright, what kind of program will satisfy Republicans?”

Jordan: “With all due respect, your question, which needs to be answered, might be part of the problem.”

POTUS: “Whadda mean part of the problem?”

Jordan: “Meaning the problem and the solution need to be articulated clearly to reduce…if not eliminate…political posturing by both parties.  The effort to satisfy a political party should not be a primary issue.  Solving the problem should be first.”

POTUS: “OK, then, how are we going to describe the problem?”

Jordan: “Let’s take a lesson from one of your predecessors…Harry S. Truman.”

POTUS: “I admit he was forthright.  But life was much simpler then.”

Jordan: “Funny, I had a very similar conversation with someone the other day.  Her perception of life being simpler during the Truman years was the same as yours.”

POTUS: “At least I’m not the only one who thinks that way.  What was your response?”

Jordan: “Life was different in many ways.  But HST faced very difficult decisions – dropping the atomic bomb on Japan, transitioning economy from war to civilian production, which usually includes a major recession, Korean War, firing Douglas McArthur…and the start of the Cold War.  Berlin airlift, e.g.”

POTUS: “You’re right.  Some very tough decisions.  But you know what many people remember most about HST?”

Jordan: “The sign on his desk.”

POTUS: “Exactly.  A simple sign with a very clear message.  ‘The buck stops here.’”

Jordan: “Seems to me the first step for you is getting a sign for your desk that says, ‘The buck stops here.’”

POTUS: “Won’t people think I’m copying HST?”

Jordan: “Who cares what they think?  Rather than negative I think it would be perceived as positive.  Whether it’s true or not, people do think the buck stops in the Oval Office.  The sign might be a good reminder to Congress.”

POTUS: “Interesting idea.  And, hey, people elected me to get things done.”

Jordan: “That’s right.  They elected a general manager for the country, not some king or dictator.”

POTUS: “With the sign, I can probably force Republicans and Democrats to start work together.  I’ll state I’m the general manager and I’m leading a team to get things done.”

Jordan: “Now we are getting somewhere.  I beginning to feel as if something positive can actually happen.”

POTUS: “Me, too.  Let’s take a break for a minute and get a coffee refill.”

(To be continued)

(Readers: Please note the blog is constructed as a story. While not all chapters are linked, after reading a few recent entries, you might want to start at the beginning. More about the blog, how the characters are constructed and about the author.)

JC: “Whew, I feel better.  OK, where were we?”

Jordan: “We started out talking about how animals are like children…or was it the other way around?  We decided they both acted in similar ways.”

JC: “Just before the break we concluded that unlike animals and children, which keep things fairly simple, anything that gets sent to Congress is likely to get complicated and messy.”

Jordan: “Well there’s a lesson for the post-revolution Congress – keep it simple like kids, squirrels and an occasional president.”

JC: “When was the last president to keep it simple…and not sound like an idiot?”

Jordan: “Is your idiot reference referring to a 21^st Century president by chance…maybe the first president elected in the 21^st Century?”

JC: “Never mind.  Who are you thinking about?”

Jordan: “The other night at dinner several of us had an interesting conversation about which president in recent times could be a model for the future.”

JC: “What criteria did you use?”

Jordan: “We didn’t have a checklist per se but the conversation focused on communicating clearly about what decisions were made and the expected outcomes.”

JC: “What about decisions driven by ratings in the polls, satisfying party ideologues, trying to get reelected and all those factors that seem to have taken over the presidency.”

Jordan: “That’s what we tried to sort out.  What president did not seem concerned about all the side issues and got to the point?”

JC: “And your consensus was?”

Jordan: “Harry S. Truman.  We concluded he was simple…not simple minded…straightforward and unpretentious.”

JC: “But life was much simpler then.”

Jordan: “We all say that but I’m not so sure.  We all say life on the prairie was simple but in fact life on the prairie was fairly complicated and required a wide range of skills.”

JC: “OK Daniel Boone.  What was so complicated for Truman?”

Jordan: “First major issue was whether to drop the atomic bomb on Japan.  The initial tradeoff seemed straightforward – trading Japanese lives for American lives…and the Allies.  Who knows if he or anyone beyond a handful of scientists really understood the likely long-term consequences?”

JC: “What else?”

Jordan: “Post-WWII decisions.  Virtually every war is followed by a sharp and severe recession as war production drops and employment decreases.  The transition following WWII was relatively smooth with what I would characterize as minor disruptions compared to the potential disruption.”

JC: “You know, I never thought about the economy following a war.  What do you do with all those people in uniform coming back and what do you do with all the people in factories who replaced the people who went to war?  OK, big problem solved reasonably well.  Next?”

Jordan: “Soviet threat, especially start of the Cold War and blockade in Berlin.”

JC: “The Berlin airlift.  That lasted more than a year, didn’t it?”

Jordan: “Yes.  And then there was the Korean War and firing General Douglas MacArthur.”

JC: “Alright, some heavy-duty decisions.  But every president has those.  Maybe not the same magnitude but heavy-duty nonetheless.  Wasn’t the media friendlier?”

Jordan: “Not sure any friendlier but certainly not 24×7 with all the blowhards on Fox and talk radio.”

JC: “Whether one is left or right politically, hard to dispute that pre cable the news was more fair and balanced than today.”

Jordan: “The balance helped some but some of the press pilloried Truman unmercifully.”

JC: “So what did your dinner group decide was the difference between Truman and most other presidents…at least post-WWII presidents?”

Jordan: “He made himself accountable publicly.”

JC: “He had that sign on his desk.  What did it say, I’ve forgotten.”

Jordan: “The Buck Stops Here.”

JC: “Right.  Great sign.  Anything else?”

Jordan: “He was plain-spoken.  No obfuscation of the situation.  Just straight-forward talk.”

JC: “The other day I heard part of a speech he gave to Congress.  The speech was about as easy to understand as anything I’ve heard from Washington.  A lesson there.”

Jordan: “And when his term was up, what do the Truman’s do?  Drive to Independence, Missouri.”

JC: “Where were the Secret Service guys?”

Jordan: “There weren’t any.  If there were, there were only a couple.  No big escort.  Just jump in the car and head out of Dodge…well Washington…for Missouri.”

JC: “What’s happened to our country?  I know you can’t put the genie back in the bottle but we have made life in politics far too complicated.”

Jordan: “Maybe the squirrels, ducks and other back-yard creatures can teach the politicians a thing or two.”

JC: “First lesson would be KISS — keep it simple, stupid.  Second lesson would be pay attention to who’s really feeding you…and it’s the folks whose backyard you live in and not the special interest lobbyists.”

Jordan: “Here’s an idea.  What about Rocky the Squirrel for President.  His running mate, of course…”

JC: “Bullwinkle.  Rather than the Bull Moose Party we can have the Rocky and Bullwinkle Party!”

Jordan: “Ah, Washington could start functioning again.  Here’s a toast to the Rocky and Bullwinkle Party.”