Saturday Column: Presidential election is critical choice for America

President Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday evening was designed to calm fears about the future and call attention to what he considers the many positives about this country and its position in the world.

This comes at a time when North Korea recently tested a more powerful nuclear weapon, terrorist attacks continue throughout the world, two small U.S. Navy boats were seized by the Iranian Navy, religious factions in the Middle East could become so intense that they cause open warfare, Chinese officials have opened distant offshore artificial islands as sites for military air bases, and “hot spots” are opening up around the world on a weekly or even daily basis.

Added to international challenges, there are issues such as the effect of the Chinese economy on the U.S., the global economy, joblessness, problems associated with the uncontrolled and unchecked credentials of thousands of immigrants crossing our border, an out-of-control national debt, racial and poverty issues and many other situations that could trigger highly partisan reactions.

Obama can talk about these matters, but he is a lame duck president with a divided Congress and a divided country, and his successor in the Oval Office will inherit most of these problems and probably some new ones just as serious or even more important and dangerous.

The dangers are real, and the potential consequences will require the best possible leadership, someone who is honest with the public and has the courage to do the right thing for the safety of this country.

A continuation of the arrogance in the White House and ugly political gamesmanship in the House and Senate is a giant disservice to the nation and likely will result in a weaker country and greater government control of our lives.

The election of our next president comes at a critical time. It cannot be overemphasized. The opening rounds of this massive contest will be rolled out 16 days from now at the Iowa caucuses. There have been well-publicized debates and other pre-election events, but the main show gets underway in Iowa, and results of these straw votes could set the stage and determine the viability of the candidates for the succeeding primary elections across the country. The Iowa vote could send a signal relative to the contestants in the November election.

Face it: the country is divided and in a weakened and vulnerable state. Against that backdrop, one of the following individuals is likely to be our next president: Republican candidates are Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, John Kasich, Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina, Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum and Jim Gilmore; Democratic candidates are Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley.

Which of these men and women will American voters determine to be the best qualified, most honest, most courageous, visionary and best motivated to lead this country? Who measures up to the demands of this job?

Hillary Clinton is locked in a tightening race with Bernie Sanders but the former senator and secretary of state is likely to win the Iowa vote. However, will voters feel secure and safe under her leadership considering her highly questionable, even disastrous role as secretary of state and her 30-odd years as a Washington insider? She supported and championed Obama’s political agenda of bringing about “fundamental changes” in America and likely would favor a continuation of a large majority of Obama policies. What do voters think about a presidential candidate who is known for being a liar?

What kind of president would Sanders be? Are Americans so upset with our system of free enterprise and capitalism and the abuses within this system that they would support a socialist to lead this country?

Chances don’t appear good for O’Malley, but surprises do happen. If Clinton should come in second in Iowa and New Hampshire, is it possible Joe Biden or John Kerry would enter the race?

On the GOP side, there are governors, senators, former House members, a world-class surgeon and a businessman. Again, who is best qualified? Do governors or former governors have more experience that prepares them for the White House, or do senators or House members have better credentials?

Public surveys report greater numbers of Americans seem to favor candidates free of Washington entanglements. They want fresh faces rather than career politicians.

Into whose hands will Americans place their confidence and well-being, along with this nation’s security? In the eyes of many, this country is at a dangerous crossroads: more or less government involvement in our lives, a stronger military force or a continued pullback and reduction, more government subsidies and national debt, greater or less control of immigrants, greater respect for Uncle Sam throughout the world or a shrinking of America’s prestige and respect. These are just a few alternatives that will be determined by a new president.

The Iowa caucuses start the presidential election ball rolling and could provide a fairly accurate forecast of how the nation may vote in November. Once again, which of the current 15 candidates will be designated as the early leaders?

These 15 individuals have spent years preparing themselves, raising money and planning their strategy to win the nomination. It’s likely more Americans know more about these candidates than in previous elections.

Do this year’s candidates measure up to those in past years or, for one reason or another, have past candidates been elevated to artificial towers of excellence because the public really didn’t know as much about them as they do about today’s candidates?

Regardless, we have what we have, and hopefully voters will give serious consideration to the qualities required to be this country’s commander in chief.