Used to be, we thought of re-election as automatic. At least it seemed that way to me, especially during the primary campaigns when there was an eligible incumbent - but perhaps that was network news punditry.

Neither JFK, LBJ or Nixon served two full four-year terms; Ford didn't even get four; between Ike and George II only Reagan stayed the course. Even so, what Dan said gave me pause, as if the perception now is: every President only gets four. Is that really the mood of the country?

I think I agree, Dan, that six might be better - if it was only six, ever... or at most, two non-consecutive six-year terms, with a lifetime maximum of twelve years.

Imagine what effect that might have on American politics... there might be (as there once was) almost four whole years before the next campaigning started! And, even more interesting, every President's policies would have to survive two mid-term elections.

Oh, by the way...

"There may come a time when we elect a president at age 45 or 50, and then 20 years later the country comes up against the same kind of problems the president faced before..." Obviously Clinton hasn't read his Strauss & Howe. I suspect a case of cigar envy.