Character

Consistent (e.g., keeps campaign promises)

Does the leader demonstrate through his/her words and actions a consistent approach toward governing? Recognizing that every political office requires a degree of deft leadership during changing circumstances, principled leaders will show an overall consistent approach toward leadership. A key element of this characteristic is whether the leaders keep their promises made to voters during the campaign.

Ethical (personally and professionally)

Is the individual ethical? The best leaders meet the highest standards of personal and professional ethics.

Guided by principles/morals

Is the leader guided by first principles and does he or she have a moral compass?

Leadership Skills

Accomplishments/promoting bold ideas

The Leadership Matrix looks for leaders who have experience but asks whether it is the type of experience that has left a mark in favor of the cause of limited government and freedom. There is an explicit emphasis on leading or advocating a new or unique policy approach.

Coalition building, political skills, staff

Has the individual shown strong political skills in previous campaigns or in promoting a national idea?

Communication, charisma, vision

Is the individual a visionary leader? Does the candidate excite voters and communicate leadership in a way that mobilizes national support for that candidate’s vision?

Commitment to Limited Constitutional Government

Free market economic principles

Key to limited constitutional government is the realization that private society is and should be free from government interference except where there has been a specific delegation of authority to the national government. Has the leader shown by his or her record a high level of commitment to policies of lower taxes, balanced budget, privatization, reduction in scope of modern national government, and a stable monetary system? These principles are so fundamental to good government, prosperity, and individual freedom that the Leadership Matrix double weights the leader’s record on these issues.

Strong national security principles

A strong national defense is critical to the preservation of limited constitutional government. Does the leader’s record show that he or she supports the U.S. military, supports fighting terrorism abroad, upholds the sovereignty of the United States, and seeks to advance our national interests?

American exceptionalism

Has the leader demonstrated a commitment to American exceptionalism? This characteristic encompasses positions on issues that strengthen the role of families in society. Does the leader support judges who will protect the original meaning of the Constitution against the assertion of novel “rights” by special interests?

Vulnerability/Electability Issues

This area examines any parts of the candidate’s past record that would be viewed as a strong negative by voters in selecting a president. Rather than acting as a beginning point, this question complements the overarching inquiry into the leader’s commitment to principles. The model uses deductions for any such vulnerability as an offset to the overall strength of the potential candidate.