Since Barack Obama's splash into the political landscape as a junior senator, he has built a platform on intellect, compassion, change, creativity and humbleness. In many respects, this humbleness translates into people realizing that he is authentic and that he is nice. In fact, being a "nice guy" has been one of the many factors that have drawn people to Obama. In comparison, Hillary Clinton's platform, that being the "experienced candidate," was absent this trait; despite the best of her experienced intentions. So, does "nice" play a role in politics, let alone so many other dimensions of life?
In this nice guy's opinion, the answer is a definite yes. Regardless of a person's capabilities, if nice is not part of the equation, it is an indication that many other important elements may be missing. Nice often lays a foundation for compassion, humility, listening and selflessness. However, when is being "overly nice" a liability; i.e. when do our political leaders or anyone for that matter fall prey to the Nice Guy Syndrome. And to this end, is Obama too nice?
In the world of politics (and in business and in life), being too nice seems to work at first when you say nice things at the right time to the right people to score points. For when you do this, you avoid the tougher discussions which speak to your character. However, there is an eventual reconciliation that must take place when those nice conversations become contradictory or misaligned. It is here when our potentially faithful leader Barack has been able to prove a bit of his salt.
A primary ago or so it seems, when originally presented with Reverend Wright's explosive commentary, Obama took a modest approach; one that some may feel was too nice. He heightened his responses, initially denouncing Wright's statements and placing racial harmony squarely in center of the political arena at first and then eventually denouncing the Reverend for his outrageous actions. Ultimately, Obama left Reverend Wright's church. This was effective, it was courageous and it was necessary.
Unfortunately, many politicians suffer from Nice Guy Syndrome and they may have inappropriately been consumed with placating each respective constituency rather than confronting the issue directly. So does this mean that Obama is no longer a nice guy? Does it mean that he has strayed from his roots that have drawn people to him?
Again, in this nice guy's opinion, the answer is a definite no. In fact, rather than playing the political game that so many do when they are too nice, Obama took a balanced path. Despite his love and history with his minister; he spoke up, he confronted the issue and he did so without losing his demeanor. Former Professor Roger Boesche had Obama in two Political Science classes. Obama's character was forming as Boesche recalls in the May 9, 2008 New York Times, "Obama also wasn't afraid to stand up for himself, and perhaps had a righteous streak." When tested with difficult situations, Obama has demonstrated that his righteous streak allows him to find a balance in remaining nice yet also feel comfortable in having the difficult conversations. It may be that this important and often neglected attribute will drive his success in both the democratic primary as well as the presidential campaign; to be "effectively nice."
So Can a Nice Guy Get The Oval Office? If he is effectively nice, yes. If he is too nice, no.
Russ Edelman, author of "Nice Guys Can Get The Corner Office", Penguin, July 31, 2008
www.niceguystrategies.com