Can we assume the guy in the corner office has the knowledge required to do routine tasks but has no real decision-making power? Those entrusted with the power can either wield it with authority and fairness or they can absorb all they can, keeping a path to the front door clear.

I've seen true incompetence, the result of which led to the closure of that branch of the company.

I think the decision-making ability and the confidence of a president would continue to grow with time, like you said, "experience counts"

I do feel the six year term that Dan mentioned, for the president, would have an effect, (hopefully beneficial) on the economy

As far as the economy goes, I'm not sure if it matters anymore whether
there's a republican or a democrat in the Whitehouse.