A respected political advisor who served in four Presidential Administrations says both President Joe Biden, and former President Donald Trump should step away from the race for the White House in 2024.
David Gergen says the nation is facing tough times, and new leadership is needed. He spoke to KCLU News in advance of a Tuesday night lecture in Santa Barbara.
Gergen’s counsel was so highly sought he was an advisor to both Republicans and Democrats. He served as an advisor to Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton.
Now a professor, author, and senior political analyst for CNN, he says it’s in the country’s best interests for Biden and Trump to take themselves out of the 2024 presidential race.
"It's time for both President Biden, and our good friend Mr. Trump...it's time for both of them to step back, and pass the baton to a new generation," said Gergen.
He said if one of them is elected, they would be governing in their 80's, which he thinks is too old.
"I just don't think that's a good idea," Gergen said.
The longtime political advisor, and commentator has been examining the issue of leadership. That’s led to a new book called Hearts Touched With Fire: How Great Leaders Are Made.
"There's a certain urgency now, because our country, our democracy is in trouble," said Gergen. "We're going to very reliant upon the younger generations on getting us out of this mess."
He wanted to write something to them, something that was a call to prepare themselves for their roles as leaders.
Gergen says being successful in the White House isn’t just about good policy, it’s about providing the country with inspiration.
"It's a blend, isn't it? It's very important you have good policies, and smart policies," said Gergen.
But he said that it's important to have someone who can be motivating, and inspirational, and he notes historically we have had presidents on both sides of the aisle like that. Gerden cities Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan as examples.
The former White House speechwriter, and advisor thinks we are in a key transitional leadership period. Gergen says it’s time for younger generations to take the reins of power. He says he’s heartened to see the growing diversity in leadership at local, and national levels.
As CNN’s senior political analyst, he’s been following the nation’s mid-term election closely. So, what does he think will be the results? He thinks the Republicans will pick up the House, and the Democrats will hold onto the Senate.
David Gergen will speak about his new book “Hearts Touched With Fire: How Great Leaders Are Made” Tuesday night at Santa Barbara’s Granada Theater. The 7:30 p.m. event is presented by UC Santa Barbara’s Arts and Lectures.
