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If the nation’s 2nd president were alive today, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels would literally look up to him. At a modest 5 feet 7 inches tall, John Adams would loom over our Hoosier leader, whose small stature is sometimes hidden behind low podiums and deceivingly-angled cameras.
In fact, some may wonder if Daniels used a stepping stool to showcase his full bust above the podium during his State of the State address.
But the governor looks up to John Adams without a strain in the neck: he does it through the accounts of the late’s work as president.
“I have long admired John Adams’ diary entry of 1175: Facing incredible hardships and, for all he knew, a hangman’s noose for his patriotism, his only thought was ‘Great things are wanted to be done,’” Daniels said.
Some have wondered if Daniels’ path—from Chief of Staff to Sen. Richard Lugar, Senior Advisor to President Ronald Reagan, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under President George W. Bush and now Governor of Indiana—is one that is headed for the oval office.
And I’d have to say yes.
If the presidency had its own language, Mitch Daniels would be fluent.
“We’re in this together” and "trust the people” are phrases from his 2008 oration that resemble the unified, goal-oriented attitude that is showcased among top presidential candidates in every election.
His glorified stroll to the stage reminded me of the head of state descending from a private jet and swarmed with supporters.
In a red tie, Daniels shook hands and made brief comments to the lawmakers who were within his short arm span.
He was interrupted 20 times by applause, but handled it like a pro—pausing and then continuing with appropriate tone and volume, maintaining eye contact for the majority of the more than 20-minute speech.
His message was optimistic and focused on the most important issue on Indiana voters’ minds: property taxes.
It was obvious that Daniels had done his homework, and he was awarded by enthusiastic hoots from citizens sitting outside the closed House floor.
He emphasized the number four to describe his number of years as governor and the number of items on his plan for tax reform, among other examples.
“Four is a number of special affection for me,” he said.
But the number probably has another, undeclared meaning for our strategic leader.
In four years, the United States will be looking to elect its 45th president.
And Mitch Daniels has a clever little head on his shoulders.
(Just a thought.)
