John Chambers for president in 2012?

I am in San Jose, Calif., for the annual Cisco Systems analyst shindig talking all things networking. The event kicked off with a presentation from CEO John Chambers. If you've never seen John in person, you really should. His communications skills, style, and charisma are second to none in the industry.

Several audience members compare John's stage persona to former president Bill Clinton. Since it has been rumored that John would like to go into politics after Cisco, why shouldn't he go for the whole enchilada and run for president in 2012? Now I admit, I know nothing about many of John's views on things like the war in Iraq, gay marriage, and stem cell research. Heck, I don't even know his party affiliation. That said, John could be the first tech industry candidate, and he brings a number of attractive positions with regard to:

1. Innovation: John and Cisco are all about innovation and vision. My view is that we need a leader with Kennedyesque big goals. I could see John running on a platform like dedicating massive federal funds to clean renewable energy sources with a goal of reducing American oil consumption by more than 50 percent in 10 years. Ask not what your country can do for you...

2. Education: John is one of those tech CEOs who recognizes the need for radical changes to our education system. Again, the focus would be on creativity and innovation and not standardized testing. We need this kind of leadership to maintain and even bolster our position in a world that is growing smarter and more competitive each day.

3. Global development: Cisco looks for opportunities all over the world, and John is often on a plane or a TelePresence meeting as part of the sales process. If this behavior were applied to politics, John might be looking for cooperative opportunities for America. Invest a bit up front in other countries, build infrastructure, and then reap long term rewards. This seems like a better long-term bet to me than shock and awe.

Let me be extremely clear here. I am not endorsing a Chambers for president campaign but merely thinking out of the box a bit. It's interesting to ponder the agenda of a global business/high tech president but there are few who would have mass appeal or even want the job. John Chambers might be an intriguing choice. If anything, I know he'd stand out in the debates.

[jimmyjoe]

President Chambers... sounds familiar

This idea is a flashback to 1999/2000. John was interviewed on 60 Minutes - he presented very well of course (tears included). A few test balloons were floated to see if anyone could get behind the idea of Chambers for President. But, rumor has it, John pulled the plug on the idea. Perhaps it was the impending economic bust... Perhaps he just liked what he was doing too well.

But John is, if nothing else, a change agent. And likable. And honest. Ooops... Perhaps that's what will be a problem for him. His values, standards and morals are not those of our typical politician. Especially Presidential politics.

I'm not sure if someone of his character will put up with the attacks that are leveled at Presidential candidates. Because even if John has only a few skeltons in his closet, is he ready to deal with the foolishness that is leveled at politicians? (So when did you stop beating your wife? etc. etc. etc...)

He'd get my vote...

[demner]

What's in it for him?

Why would he want to get one of the the crappiest jobs in the world? What's in it for him?

[benjwah]

I think Jon Oltsik wants to be President

The author states he has no knowledge of John Chambers positions on anything, then goes and projects a bunch of things upon a theoretical John Chambers presidency.
Mr. Oltsik, I think you've got a little man-crush going on.

[daz0000]

I think Ross Perot would claim to be the first tech candidate

But Chambers probably has a better shot at the job.