Obama: “I Screwed Up.”
It was amazing to hear a President or any leader for that matter — say, “I screwed up”. Hearing leaders admit mistakes is rare. At best, we might hear mistakes were made, but that leaves us to wonder just made those mistakes. Another common reaction to a screw-up is to obfuscate with spin so that no one understands what is going on. And a final favorite is to parse the error so minutely that it appears that everything worked out just fine. But to hear someone say, “I screwed up” is as shocking as it is refreshing.
I can tell you, if I ever happen to personally screw up, I might just follow the President’s lead.
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Another “Amen” to a post here Rick. It taken at least 8 years and now one month and counting to hear those same words from George W. Bush. Regardless of political persuasion, I was taught early in life to own up to my mistakes.
Nice to have someone in the highest office in the land who was taught (and learned) the same thing.
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Jake – Interesting, but it seems like others are starting to say, “I screwed up.” Maybe I’m just noticing it, or perhaps Obama’s model may be helping others follow suit. We’ll see. – Rick