Reticence and timidity are not leadership attributes, but self-confidence and communication skills are essential.Major decision-makers as to government policy and practice can never expect unanimous press or popular support when detractors are a permanent feature of a democratic republic. Are we about to elect a qualified four-year leader of a largely faceless government bureaucracy - or a reporter on the internal workings of such a massive and established organization?Are voters focusing sufficient attention on the composition of a bicameral Congress that will have control of the legislative agenda? Will the largely undefined body of moderate constituents stand out in the coming election - those who can identify with platform elements of both the party of individual initiative and the party of identity-group dependency?Historically, America had not been a place for combative extremists. Whatever the case, it’s unfortunate that the next-term fate of our nation may rest on a single 90-minute televised debate. Will the result be determined moreby the candidates’ messaging or the moderators’ direction and depth of inquiry? Don’t miss it! Phil Osifer