Because of the increase in life longevity, America can now assume that at any given time three, and perhaps four, former presidents will still be alive, even when the current president is occupying the White House. What if Barack Obama established a Presidential Advisory Committee that would meet once every couple of months, bringing together the former presidents for a conference in order to seek their collective wisdom? There is a wealth of experience in former presidents that generally goes untapped.
I am relatively sure, from conversations that I had with former president Bill Clinton, that George Bush seldom called upon him for advice. If he had, he might not have made some of the decisions that were partly responsible for the contemporary mess that we find ourselves in both domestically and internationally. Imagine what could be gleaned for policy making from regular meetings that would bring together former presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H. Bush, and Jimmy Carter which would help Barack Obama in his decision-making processes. A closed-door meeting with off-the-record exchanges would enable each of these men to share with the current president how each would handle the complex decisions that have to be made by the executive in the White House.
I can't believe that such a consulting committee has not been formed in days gone by. There is no question that such a committee, providing input to President Obama, would be a benefit to all Americans. In addition, it would send a clear message to the American public that the current occupant of the White House is willing to listen to opinions for respected leaders of the Republican Party. Undoubtedly, it would enhance Barack Obama's image as someone who wants to think and work in a bipartisan manner.