Our top politicians do not tend to be statesmen (skillfully leading our country and the world into a better future).
Our top politicians do not tend to be skilled politicians (uniting opposing political forces and forging common agreements on divisive issues).
Our top politicians do not tend to be charismatic and smooth (Dole? Gore? Hillary? Mitt?).
What does it take to become a top politician in the USA during this time in history?
Nothing good, I can tell you that.
But our Presidents do (Reagan, Clinton, Obama).