This morning on the Today Show they are discussing a new report out that demonstrates people viewing Obama as the riskier candidate over McCain. For some reason in the news, they are painting risk as a negative attribute. I found that fascinating. In business, we know, that where there is no risk–there is no growth. In fact, where there is no risk, there is often no leadership at all. Simply working to appease everyone does not lead to growth and advancement. Boards of Directors don’t hire CEOs as puppets, and I don’t expect we’ll be voting for a President that we prefer to flat-line through his White House residency. Give me someone who will provide higher highs and trust that I’m willing to risk the lower lows to get there. Great victory only comes from the willingness to make tough decisions because you believe they are the right choice, not the popular one. In business and in politics, risk is an attribute.

During a birthday party earlier in July, Senator Obama allowed his daughters to be interviewed by Access Hollywood. He is now saying that this move was not appropriate, given their young age.

I do think that they were probably caught up in the moment and said “yes” without thinking, but you know what…as a registered voter, I want to know about our potential future leaders’ families and their lives. We all want to know about the wife and kids, because when you see the family of a leader, you can tell a great deal about that leader’s character.

You can see a bit what the senator has to say about all in this interview with Matt Lauer (you will need to fast forward to the end of the video). This whole interview from MSNBC is actually worth watching:

Yes, I know…every pundit, supporter and eager Clinton fan wants to know the answer to this question.

First of all, I concur with Corey’s post from June 6 on Senator Clinton carving her own path. Here, here! I also believe that there is a place for her in our political system. Senator Clinton is sharp, and the area where I believe she has the most passion and knowledge is on the topic of healthcare. While I am not convinced that an Obama/Clinton ticket is a wise move, I do believe that if elected, Senator Obama will be thinking about where and how Clinton can best serve our country. In my opinion, a position such as Secretary of Health would be a great fit (but of course, this is just according to the world of Bea.)

I have watched Clinton speak on a variety of debates and interviews and speeches over the last 16 months, but I have to say that watching her yesterday was a joy for me. I finally felt like I liked her. I don’t know why, but she seemed to be putting her energy and strength behind the democrats…a smart move indeed. And, I do wish her well and believe that she should indeed be in a leadership role for the United States. She’s got spunk and stickability, and we need that!

For the first time in a long time, Senator Obama is coming across as someone who is presidential and can address the challenges of someone (Wright) who seems to me to be one of the most narcissistic and self serving men I have observed in a while.   I have been wondering how Obama would handle someone like Wright, and I am now convinced that he can draw a line in the sand when needed.  I believe Obama just saved his reputation and his place on the November ballot.

I am still not convinced that Senator Clinton can win the democratic nomination. She seems to still be struggling with the likability factor, and her husband continues to cause problems for her with the media and the public at large. However, there is one thing I have to say that is working for Clinton…she’s a fighter, and she does not back down or give up, even in the face of adversity.

She won Pennsylvania yesterday by 10 points. This still keeps Obama squarely in the lead with 1714 delegates to Clinton’s 1584. BUT…She said she was going to win PA, and she did.

I have learned in life a valuable lesson…that giving up too soon is often the reason for failure. Much of this has to do with the craving we have in today’s world for instant results and immediate gratification. When we have a setback, we often throw up our hands and say “I quit”.

We hear it every day…that setbacks and failures are a part of success. We seem to get it intellectually, but we often can’t seem to internalize it enough to make the change. Today, as you are reading this blog, think of a past failure or setback and what this watershed moment did for you in your life. What did you learn? How did life change? How did you grow? You may be surprised that you will find a few pieces of gold in those thorns.