The more I thought about it the more I realized there is merit to the argument that charisma matters. The new governor, and I do believe there will be a new governor, will be under heavy scrutiny by the press and public alike. This in fact provides an OPPORTUNITY to make needed and in some cases drastic changes. The new governor will have a public forum like no politician in recent history, and will have the ability to engender public debate on issues that have been handled behind closed doors for years on end. This is where McClintock comes short.
I have yet to find or be presented with anything of substance that Tom has DONE in all his years in the legislature. Where are the coalitions, where are the bipartisan victories, where are the sweeping endorsements from colleagues who have known him for decades? The fact remains that the victor will have a Dem legislature to deal with. And with the power of a 24/7 bully pulpit, for a few weeks anyway, comes the opportunity for the opposition to respond. It is how this public debate is handled in the first 90 days that will propel or stagnate the new governor's administration. Tom would be faced with trying to leverage colleagues whom he has yet to convince, sway, or endear, and will be left with NOTHING but vetoes, initiatives, and referendums to frame his policy.
Basically, Tom has failed to lead from within, and I am not at all confident that naming him leader will change his ability handle the role. Leadership is about moving the debate, generating support, forging coalitions, and in some cases compromising so that other issues can be addressed. Leaders keep moving forward, chalking up victories, large and small, along the way. Leadership is what I personally feel is needed in Sacramento and Tom McClintock, despite his conservative 'bona fides' has not led, and has not convinced me that he can.