John Kerry'a

Leadership Style: Leadership style is the manner and approach of providing direction, implementing plans, and motivating people. 

Description of candidate's position: John Kerry "bases decisions on intellect, research. It's a much smarter, safer way to make public policies in a complex world," says Paul Pezzella, a longtime Kerry field operative. From The Christian Science Monitor 

Quotation from the candidate: "I was a good leader, a strong leader. I had strong awareness and perception of the things around me. I listened. I took things in," Kerry said in a 50-minute interview. "I was decisive." April 13,2004,

Assessment of the proposal:

Positive: "Kerry's style stands in contrast with the man he is hoping to replace in the White house, a president who is known for leaving details to his aides." "It's exhaustive and it's detail-oriented, so by its nature it's not an intellectual process given to speedy decision-making." "Kerry's style is one of diligence, not hesitation." "Part of the debate and discussion is that it rationalizes the process, as opposed to making it an emotional process" from Matea Gold Los Angeles Times staff writer.

Negative: "A survey in spring 2003, when Bush's approval was in the high 60s, asked his supporters what they most admired about him. A smattering said they liked his economic policies; larger numbers liked his policies on terrorism, but over half&emdash;52 percent&emdash;said they were drawn to 'his general personal strength and sense of leadership.' Columnist David Broder concluded, "Democrats may challenge Bush on the issues, but it will be tough to topple him from his leadership pinnacle." His leadership is his most valuable political asset." Reprinted with permission from "Stubborn Kind of Fellow," Compass, Fall 2003. Compass is published by the Center for Public Leadership, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

Comparison:

"Kerry's style is unfocused and irresolute, say Republicans. Kerry partisans retort that Bush is a rigid ideologue." link

"The September 11 case provides more than the usual amount of evidence for Bush, to be weighed along with the decision to go to war in Iraq. As a decorated veteran, Kerry has emphasized his military experience in Vietnam, where he regularly participated in dangerous missions. Link

Link to Bush's issue page.