Who's next?

If you step back and look at it dispassionately, perhaps you won’t be surprised that President Barack Obama has fallen rather “low” in the popularity polls.

It is perhaps more appropriate to wonder how and why he managed to get elected president of the United States in the first place.

We have to admit that we have had some unusual, surprising, pitiful — and some gigantic — presidents in our history.

We obviously do not have a sterling record of excellence in electing our presidents.

What it takes to be a serious presidential candidate and what it takes to get elected are wonders. And then what it takes actually to serve under the conditions that arise, with support and opposition, is something else.

The government of our nation has such an impact upon our economy, welfare, personalities, war, peace, and the world! It is a wonder that anyone can really function effectively as president in this controversial age.

Many wonder how in the world “we, the people,” chose President Obama. Now, many are wondering whether we will re-elect him in 2012.

If not a second term for President Obama, who?

Several names may come to mind. But do you see one of them as a giant of character, intellect, judgment and ability?

Who can win — and deserve to win? What giant prospect with tremendous ability will emerge and gain our confidence to be elected in 2012?

Or will just “somebody else” do?

What do you like about the leadership that President Obama has provided? What about our economics? What do you wish he would do now — or avoid?

What could “somebody else” do better?

We have had some really great presidents. And we have had some others.

Well, it’s nearly 2011. The campaign surely will start next year. Whom do you want to elect president in 2012?

— Chattanooga Times Free Press