How do you pick a candidate

What I look for in a candidate:

1.The President takes the following oath of office as specified in the Constitution: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." I want someone that has read and demonstrates an understanding of the Constitution, all of its provisions and all of its amendments, and will fulfill his/her oath to "preserve, protect, and defend" it.

2.I want a President with "gravitas" who can represent the USA to the world and be treated with respect. This means someone with intelligence and experience. It means someone who will represent the People, not their own personal agenda. Someone with leadership ability who will not wilt under pressure or get the "deer caught in the headlights" look when asked an impromptu question.

3.I want a President who will be concerned with the future of this country 10, 20, and 30 years in the future, not just for the 4-8 years of his/her term. The environment, energy dependence, the national debt, health care, Social Security, and the national infrastructure are long-term problems. A President should understand that, I also want a President who will appoint members to the Supreme Court based on their overall qualifications, not because they happen to agree with the President on particular issues.

4. I want a President with the ability to make compromises with Congress. I want someone who can see shades of gray rather than boiling everything down to "all or nothing," "you are either for us or against us," and other such simplistic blather.

What I don't care too much about:

1. Their religious beliefs. The Constitution clearly states: "The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

2. Whether they come across as "nice guys/gals" who I would like to sit down and have a beer with. I know lots of Nice Guys who are fun to have a drink with, and none of them are even marginally qualified to be President.

3. Their stand on "issues." The President does not make laws - Congress does. The President can only sign legislation or veto it. Of course the President can influence legislation by his/her support or threat of veto, but a determined Congress can override a veto. I vote for Members of Congress based on issues, but not the President.

I do look for leadership qualities...

I am thinking that I would pick other. I am looking for someone who can lead us in the right direction but it is optimistic about our future. I want someone to unite us a bit better and someone who does not divide people apart.

How about honesty? But that's so hard to find.
Sincerity, just as rare.
I guess you go with your gut.
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The candidate I pick would have to have the same beliefs I do....at least on MOST subjects. I'm not sure anyone that's running fits that profile, but Ron Paul comes close. He may be the one I go for....only time will tell.

i think i picked proven leadership skills-clinton ran the country for 8 years already so i think she is ready to do it again,hehe
anyone who thinks bill did,they should go back in time and read up again,lol
hilary has my vote

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The fact that John is not accepting contributions from special interest groups is why I'm supporting him. That speaks louder than words.