The essence of Presidential style and stature

By Philip Fernando in Los Angeles

(May 14, Los Angeles, Sri Lanka Guardian) Recently, an analyst described the ascendency of any political leader as being the result of an inherent quality to be anchored to a purpose, attention-prone, assertive and affable-the four A-s of success. The American and Sri Lankan Presidents seem bent on out-staging all Presidents before them with a kind of stature and style judging by their popularity which is at its zenith now.

Both are confident, self-interrogatory and engaging at all times. They are undoubtedly purpose driven. It is easy to see that they are not over-matched by events and neither is stone-deaf when something needs attention. So many have attributed "rendezvous with destiny" to describe them.

Of course, all this is capped with another A, ability to get their message heard. Obama is particularly oozing with a healing rhetoric. Sri Lankan President is a good listener by many accounts.

Political analysts do not seem to miss the opportunity to compare and contrast leaders when they see signs of a good achiever amidst them. The contrast in style of Presidents like Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan is often cited when judging presidential achievements. Nixon fought his way like a badger trapped by hounds who are apt at rolling over on the back, feigning death, confusing the dogs and lures them in for the traditional ripping and tearing action. Yet Nixon also welcomed China into the United Nations after decades of opposition to that by the China haters.

Bill Clinton was another who attracted a lot of analytical forays from many observers. No matter what your political leanings or what part of the world you may be from, there is no denying that former President Bill Clinton is one of the most gifted communicators on the planet.

His effectiveness as a speaker was unlimited. He was motivated to a fault. The same engaging and human sides are often seen in the Sri Lankan President's personality. They both have that common touch to a very high degree. There is an easy narrative style of talking to people. While speaking or in private interviews, they come across as articulate and extremely intelligent without being aloof or pedantic. Humour is often thrown in with consummate ease.

Ronald Reagan was noted for his appealing personal style, a unique jaunty affability and folksy charm. The only movie actor ever to become president, he showed remarkable skills as an orator that earned him the title "the Great Communicator." His policies have been credited with contributing to the demise of Soviet communism. He established a good rapport with the Soviet counterpart Mikhail Gorbachev during their summit meetings.

One other quality considered vital for success is the knack for taking criticism with ease. Here the Sri Lankan President has excelled. Many observers have noted how he showed an uncanny ability to withstand intense criticism- some unfair and others harsh. That has become second nature to him. For instance, Sri Lanka faced a mountain of international pressure to declare a cease-fire when the fight against the LTTE was nearing completion.

The call became increasingly acute. Top-level emissaries were travelling to Sri Lanka carrying a message "do this, or else we will take penal action." To withstand that kind of pressure needed solidarity with one's supporters as well as a good international Public Relations skills.

Steadfastness is a quality that helps in situations when the international community is throwing darts at you. The pointed reference to civilians being in harm's way came mounting with almost unceasing intensity. The situation was met with equally daunting vigour and purpose.

Presidents of many Asian countries are now facing a triple challenge: devastating economic pressure, rise of inequality among the people and the need for solidarity. The international economic downturn makes it imperative that developing countries have to strive harder to prevent the marginalization of the poor sections of their society while facing the rigours of the creating wealth to be shared by all.

The leaders who address the poverty and social and economic inequalities with a deft hand are automatically the ones to reach good political dividends. Welfare measures for the poor and the development of human resources are essential in this context. Asian leaders also have to collectively bear the brunt of the impact of western economies falling short of their goals. Sustainable growth must be achieved with these in mind. That is quite a load for the weak-minded.

Demands for good and wholesome leadership are a pressing need. Fortunately there seems to be a crop of good leaders still around and rising to the occasion. Sri Lanka can boast of a leader who is warm-hearted while being cool-minded.

-Sri Lanka Guardian