The media coverage of this issue assumes that voters have a valid concern if the presidential candidates appear to be elite and reflect that in their worldviews.

We have had nearly eight years of a president who is a member of our hereditary and wealthy elite in America. Before G.W. Bush became president it was apparent that his lifetime successes were a product of his position as the “boss’s son” and family connections, not hard work and excellent performance.  He has spoken proudly of his academic “C” average and his failure to complete his military service commitment.  All the behavioral evidence of this man’s lifetime points to a low emotional IQ (loyalty over principle any day, cronyism over competence).

Yet the media (owned by that same hereditary wealth elite) continuously have hailed G.W. Bush for his ability to “relate” as a good ‘ol boy, hailed him for his ability to speak at the lowest common denominator in our culture with endless sound bite loops and fear-mongering.

I’d like to hear Obama say, “Yes, I am a proud member of America’s merit-based elite.  I grew up in poverty and through hard work made it into the best schools in our nation, where I worked hard to excel.  By virtue of my hard work, excellent education and life experience, yes, I am now part of the merit-based elite of this nation.  I earned my position; I did not inherit it or buy it with family wealth.  I am now a member of an American elite because I have the wisdom and judgment that come from a lifetime of working hard to learn, to grow, and to fulfill all my responsibilities at the highest levels of excellence.

Who do you want in the White House?  Do you want someone who has demonstrated that they can excel in difficult and challenging circumstances? Do you want someone who has uncommon wisdom and maturity?

I may not know how to bowl very well.  I may not share a passion for hunting.  I may not know what it is like to walk in everyone’s shoes.  But, what sets me apart is my willingness to listen to the concerns and issues of everyone.  What sets me apart is my ability to understand many cultures.  What sets me apart is my ability to bring people together to problem-solve and resolve conflicts.  I excel in these areas, which makes me part of an elite in this country–few of whom are now in Washington.”

It is time to expect excellence, expect presidential candidates to demonstrate that they have exceptional training and abilities.  I’m all for a member of the merit-based elite in the White House.