What is the requirements to become a US president
Ability to raise large sums of money
Crucial Campaigns must have lots of money Few candidates can finance their own campaigns Ross peret 1992 Steve Forbes 1996-2000 finance from own pockets Obama raised money
Characteristics
Hillary Clinton 1 female among males Obama black amongst many white members Only 6 states had women governors Advantage to be married Only one bachelor president James Buchanan elected in 1987-1992
Political experience
Most important Good pools of recruitment are Vice Presidents, state governors and senators or members of the House of Representatives Example Barack 3 years in senate beating Hillary very experienced with 7 in senate, showing reverse can happen
Organisation
Must create own organisation Time consuming , expensive and demanding. Bad org=stumble Bob dole 1996 weakness= lost election
3 constitutional
Natural born US citizen Residency qualification of 14 years At least 35= youngest ever president was theodore roosevelt, who was just 42, after assassination of president William mckinley in 1901 but youngest elected was john Kennedy Since 1951 limited to two terms= first to feel effect was Eisenhower in 1960, Obama limited, Ronald reagan bill Clinton George bush
Unconstitutional
Political experience, major party endorsement, oratorical skills/telegenic, characteristics, ability to raise large sums of money, effective organisations, sound and relevant policies
Oratorical/ telegenic
Speak well and look good Republican senator Phil gramm in 1996 said I'm too ugly to be president Reagan said am I really that good- previously Hollywood actor
Sound and relevant policies
Style is important but votes will soon detect a candidate whose campaign turns out to be a policy free zone. Practical and relevant policies John mccain 2000 it was a campaign finance reform
Major party endorsement
Vital to be chosen for one of two major parties. Political endeavours show that third party or independent candidates do not lead to White House George Wallace 1968 John Anderson 1980 Ross Perot 1996 Pat Buchanan 2000
