Bud Labitan's Vision of the Ideal President in the book "Acting President"

A new president resigns from his or her political party, and promises to be a leader for the whole nation.

Based on Bud Labitan's book "Acting President" (published in 2020), the author presented a bold, unconventional blueprint for presidential leadership in the United States. As a self-declared independent candidate, Labitan used the book not just as a memoir or policy manifesto, but as a manifesto for reimagining the presidency itself.

He positioned himself as a prototype for this ideal leader; one who launches a no-fundraising, social media-driven campaign to sidestep the corrupting influences of traditional politics. This approach, Labitan argued, allows for genuine transparency and accountability, freeing the president from the strings pulled by big donors, lobbyists, and party machines. Instead of ideological battles or self-serving power grabs, the focus would shift to practical, centrist solutions that prioritize the nation's collective well-being. Labitan's vision draws heavily from historical precedents, aspiring to synthesize the best qualities of past presidents while evolving beyond their flaws, ultimately creating a unifying figure who "defines reality and provides hope."

At its core, Labitan's ideal president is a break from the partisan gridlock and money-fueled spectacle of modern American elections. He envisioned a leader who runs as an outsider, leveraging platforms like social media to build a direct, unfiltered connection with voters. This eliminates the need for massive war chests from special interests, which Labitan sees as the root of corruption and policy distortion. By forgoing fundraising entirely, the candidate demonstrates integrity from the outset, proving that public service isn't for sale. Labitan's own "campaign" in the book served as a proof-of-concept: a low-key, digital effort that emphasizes ideas over ads, dialogue over division. This model, he claimed, would allow the president to govern with agility, responding to real-time public input rather than rigid party platforms or donor demands.

Expanded Key Traits of the Ideal President

Labitan's portrayal of the ideal president is richly detailed, blending aspirational qualities from American history with forward-looking principles for a digital age. He explicitly listed traits inspired by 12 former presidents, urging each new leader to "strive to be a better version" of these icons while serving all citizens equally. Below, I expand on the core traits outlined in the book, incorporating Labitan's specific examples and rationale for why they matter in today's polarized landscape.

Independence from Partisan and Financial Influences:

Labitan stressed that true leadership demands freedom from the "party machinations and campaign donations" that dominate U.S. politics. The ideal president operates as a true independent, unbound by Democratic or Republican dogmas. This isn't just rhetorical—Labitan's no-fundraising model ensures no quid pro quo with corporations or elites. By maintaining an "open, direct link to the people," the president avoids the echo chambers of Washington insiders, making decisions based on national interest rather than electoral calculus. He warns that beholden leaders inevitably prioritize short-term gains for their backers over long-term solutions, eroding public trust.

Transparency and Accountability Through Modern Tools:

In an era of hidden deals and super PACs, Labitan champions radical openness as the antidote. His social media campaign prototype—simple, donation-free, and interactive—exposes every step of the process to scrutiny, reducing "behind-the-scenes influence." The ideal president would extend this into office, using digital platforms for real-time updates on decisions, budgets, and crises. Labitan argues this builds accountability: voters aren't just passive spectators but active participants, able to call out inconsistencies instantly. It's a pragmatic evolution from traditional rallies or press conferences, making governance feel accessible and honest rather than opaque and elite-driven.

Pragmatism Over Partisanship and Ideology:

Labitan's self-described "moderate centrist" views form the backbone here, advocating for "sensible" economics and policies that cut through ideological noise. The ideal president rejects "fixed party dogma or ego-driven agendas," instead tackling issues like healthcare, infrastructure, and inequality with evidence-based, flexible solutions. For instance, he envisions blending fiscal responsibility (inspired by Eisenhower's discipline) with social compassion (echoing Carter's humility) , without the extremes of left or right. This pragmatism, Labitan believes, fosters unity in a divided nation, allowing the president to "define reality" by addressing facts head-on—whether it's climate change, economic inequality, or global threats—while providing "hope" through achievable progress. He critiques both parties for being trapped in outdated battles, positioning his model as a refreshing, results-oriented alternative.

Direct Public Engagement and Honest Dialogue:

Echoing Reagan's "optimistic and friendly communicator" style and Clinton's inspirational touch, Labitan's leader is a master of unmediated interaction. Social media isn't just a campaign tool; it's a perpetual bridge to citizens, enabling the president to listen actively and respond authentically. Imagine town halls going viral, policy ideas crowdsourced from everyday Americans, or crises explained in plain language without spin. This trait counters the isolation of the Oval Office, promoting "honest dialogue" that rebuilds faith in government. Labitan, drawing from Obama's politeness and Bush Sr.'s fatherly command, sees this as key to healing divides—treating the public as partners, not subjects.

Ethical Leadership and Public Service Ethos:

Above all, Labitan's ideal is a moral compass for the nation, prioritizing "the good of the country over personal advancement." Traits like Washington's integrity, Lincoln's wisdom and unity, Johnson's astuteness tempered by Ford's forgiveness, and Trump's entertainment value (framed positively as engaging the public) all point to a humble servant-leader. The president must be protective (like George W. Bush) , forgiving, and unifying, always striving to serve "ALL of our citizens" without favoritism. Labitan emphasizes that ethical lapses—greed, revenge, or narcissism—undermine everything else, so the ideal embodies selflessness, fostering trust and collaboration. In his view, this isn't naive idealism; it's essential for sustainable governance, as a discredited leader can't inspire or unite.

Broader Implications and Labitan's Call to Action:

Labitan's "Acting President" isn't merely a campaign pitch; it's a philosophical treatise on democratic renewal. He argues that by emulating and improving upon the virtues of past presidents—from Washington's foundational leadership to Trump's knack for captivating audiences—the U.S. can produce leaders who transcend tribalism. This "POTUS Ideal" (as he later elaborates in related content) challenges readers to rethink what presidency means: not a crown for the ambitious, but a platform for the selfless. Ultimately, Labitan invites participation in this vision, urging citizens to demand (and perhaps become) such leaders. While his 2020 "run" was symbolic, the book's enduring message resonates in an age of distrust, offering a roadmap for politics that's independent, transparent, and profoundly human-centered.

Acting President Paperback – October 5, 2019

https://www.amazon.com/Acting-President-Bud-Labitan/dp/0359962726