John Edwards: Lyndon B. Johnson supported the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts with full knowledge that doing so would mean long-term political damage to his party, especially in his native region. He used his position to raise awareness of the plight of men, women and children living in poverty. His personal sacrifice said that we have a moral obligation to ensure that no family in the richest nation in the world should live in poverty or be excluded from our political process.
John McCain: Theodore Roosevelt took on special interests with a ferocity shown by no president since. As America’s natural resources were being exploited by Wall Street financiers and “robber baron” industrialists, Roosevelt declared that America’s ability to protect its environment was vital to sustaining economic growth and strengthening the quality of our life.
Barack Obama: During the Cuban missile crisis, facing intense pressure from the Joint Chiefs of Staff and congressional leaders to bomb and invade Cuba, John F. Kennedy stood firm. With his determined leadership, and his calm, rational judgment, he forged a strong path to peace that used aggressive diplomacy backed by military force, and helped bring the world back from the brink of war.
Rudy Giuliani: Many people believed that America could not win the cold war—and that capitalism was the moral equivalent of communism. In the face of major criticisms, Ronald Reagan walked out of the Reykjavik conference, and within months Gorbachev conceded to his position. He called on Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin wall—and a few years later the wall came down.
Mitt Romney: George H.W. Bush volunteered to serve his nation as a Navy pilot in World War II. His tale of survival after being shot down is known to many. Even though he courageously served his nation, he is also humble and would rather focus on the sacrifice of those serving in harm’s way today.
Joe Biden: I’m thinking of Jimmy Carter at Camp David, Ronald Reagan at Reykjavik and Bill Clinton at Dayton. Each put his prestige on the line. This president must look to the actions of predecessors and find the strength to demonstrate this same kind of leadership now. If he doesn’t, instead of trying to build stability in Iraq, we will be forced to try to contain chaos.
Dennis Kucinich: I’d say Jimmy Carter—not for something that happened during his presidency, but for his demonstration of character and courage in his post-White House years. He has shown a capacity of humility and humanity, and an ability to be a builder not just of houses but a builder of peace.
Bill Richardson: When you look at FDR’s presidency, there are so many heroic actions to choose from, but his leadership during World War II remains his most courageous act. America had to become a global leader in the fight against fascism. This meant more than leading the military charge; it meant working with other countries to bring about lasting change.
Duncan Hunter: George W. Bush vetoed the Democrat-drawn supplemental that would have straitjacketed U.S. forces in Iraq and marched them unceremoniously toward the exit sign against an enormous backdrop of public pressure. His popularity is at an all-time low, yet Bush, the president who does not veto bills, exercised leadership at the most critical time in the war against terrorists.
