Andy Card's Complaint

Former Bush chief of staff Andrew Card says that Obama's is disrespecting the office of the presidency by having casual Friday's.

Several decades ago when I started out as a programmer in a Chicago bank, I had to wear a three-piece suit to work. Now everyone from the president down wears dockers or levis. That's the way it should be. Mr. Card's wish is that America would continue to be suckers for style and personality. If so, the administration he presided over might have a shot at redemption, but that's not going to happen. As in almost all lines of work, competence and skill can be wrapped up in some strange wrappers. Thus, sometimes the most brilliant and productive people are sweaty slobs-- and perhaps they are brilliant and productive because they are sweaty slobs. As far as respcting the Oval Office is concerned, I think that has more to do with upholding the constitution than color-cordinating your tie. It is hard for me to feel respectful to President Bush when all I saw was a feckless clown.