Be Strategic, Not Personal

The advice and voice of the "formers" is both a strategic and personal decision. In the case of this Vice-President, his voice and criticism -- if only for strategic reasons -- is a real plus for Democrats. With low approval ratings, and as a partner in a failed presidency a party looking for leadership and a new mantle of change should want to run against the former VP and his policies, not have the "former" speak for them. The VP on a strategic level understands this.

In this case, as in too many others of former leaders, his voice is both a personal defense and an attempted deflection of damaging information on the administration's policy on torture, which he oversaw.

In an attempt to change the conversation from illegal acts, and deter the possible criminal prosecutions of his allies, and maybe himself, the VP has chosen to speak out. When former leaders let personal considerations overwhelm or substitute for the strategic is a demonstration of failed leadership. In most cases if you have something to say--say it thoughtfully, strategically, and privately.

By Andy Stern

 |  May 12, 2009; 6:52 AM ET
Category:  Followership
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