How to stand out in the 2016 crowd

“It’s tough to stand out in a crowd” is an expression that endures because of its straightforward truth. Today, this truth applies to every 2016 presidential candidate – a crowd made up entirely of competitors for the same job. Their challenge – to stand out as a leader among leaders – will push them to perform and to prove they can be the grown up in the room. 

This is a good thing. In fact, we believe the inherent challenge of standing out in this crowd is going to produce some terrific moments in American leadership. Competition will encourage both excellence and authenticity. Candidates will have to dig deep and shine bright to differentiate themselves in a positive way. They’ll have tremendous incentive to be the bigger person. 

{mosads}The beneficiaries of a big, competitive presidential field? The rest of us – all Americans. A leadership competition like this is healthy for a democratic republic. 

One way in which members of the crowd might choose to stand out is by showing a willingness to work with others – including members of the other political party – to solve big problems. 

Those who show an interest in problem solving through collaboration (instead of conflict) will be displaying a characteristic voters like – one that might simply be called leadership. 

Voters know it takes a certain maturity and confidence to inspire others to sit down together, set goals and then negotiate solutions. Voters also know working together is much harder than fighting. It takes courage. This is how the people know those who are willing to work together, toward common goals, are true leaders. 

In recent weeks, four presidential hopefuls have indicated they believe in the kind of leadership that involves outreach to others in order to solve problems. 

We believe America wins every time a presidential contender talks this way. 

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) decided to include a theme of goodwill and common ground in his presidential launch speech [on Monday] by saying: “To my friends in the other party: Our differences are real, and we’ll debate them. But you’re not my enemy. You’re my fellow countrymen.” Even the most jaded Washington insiders had to admit this was a classy, admirable thing for Graham to say. There is no doubt it resonated with voters. 

Former New York Gov. George Pataki (R) made a similar decision in his campaign launch remarks last week. He reminded the audience that, as governor of New York, “My vision was not a partisan vision. It was a vision about people, about what we could accomplish together.” He also hit a high note about problem solving by saying: “I’m a solutions guy. When you grow up on a farm, and have an issue, you figure it out! You sit down and find a solution, that’s the American way.” 

Again, we have no doubt these words resonated with voters. 

Former Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush (R) has also started verbalizing the importance of working together. In recent remarks to donors, he chose to take what might have been considered a risk – he talked about working with Democrats. Here’s what he said: 

“The final thing I would say … which may sound a little unorthodox, is to actually talk to Democrats.” He went on to say that “to fix big things, you have to do it in a bipartisan way. There’s never been a time in American history where you jam it down the throats of the other party and expect a good result.” Bush suggested “We weave a web of civility where you don’t violate your principles by actually talking to people who don’t agree with you – it’s an essential part of restoring democracy in this country so we start fixing things.” 

Overly partisan supporters may not like this type of talk; Bush’s willingness to take that risk speaks volumes, and voters will take note. 

Candidate Carly Fiorina led her GOP challengers in indicating an openness to cross-party dialogue, saying at a meeting in New Hampshire several weeks ago that one of the first people she’d call from the Oval Office on her first day as president would be “Whoever is the head of the Democratic party.” It was a refreshing answer that may be part of why Fiorina – a candidate who has never held public office – is being taken so seriously by so many primary-state voters. 

Each of these presidential contenders – Graham, Pataki, Bush and Fiorina – have now stood out in the crowd because of their willingness to talk about collaboration and problem solving. 

We aren’t naïve. It’s going to take a lot more than appealing rhetoric to substantively alter the political playing field in this country. But without making an upfront commitment to bipartisanship during campaign season, we surely can’t expect any of these candidates to be true problem solvers in office. 

Who will stand out next? We look forward to finding out, knowing this productive competition is raising the bar of leadership and the likelihood of future problem solving … and that’s good for America. 

Huntsman served as governor of Utah 2005 to 2009, ambassador to China 2009 to 2011 and ambassador to Singapore 1992 to 1993. Lieberman served in the Senate from 1989 to 2013. Both serve as national chairmen for No Labels.