In the stress of a divided nation and troubled world, which type of “flip-flopper” makes the most desirable choice for president – one who reverses declared personal values without rationale, or one who can adapt from bullying to benevolent as circumstances dictate? Self-confidence and communication skills are essential to effective leadership, as is up-front visibility. Clear choice of language is needed to convince a highly diverse population that a particular course of action is worthy of pursuit. Leaders who rely on surrogate spokespersons undermine their own authority by not delivering important messages in person and as broadly as possible.The public needs constant reminders of actions presumably taken on its behalf, particularly those resulting in controversy. Are serious voters likely to respond more favorably to a convincingly self-directed leader or one tentatively following a daily flood of sample polling results?The term ‘policy’ has two pertinent definitions:(1) “a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions,” or (2) “a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and available procedures, especially of a government body.” Phil Osifer