President Mom: Here's How They're The Same

White House photo by Eric Draper
January 2009, George W. Bush invites the President Elect and
former presidents to a meeting and lunch.

1. One minute you're a miracle worker, the next you're declared useless.

2. One step forward is the result of your coaxing and negotiation skills.

3. Even when something was completely out of your control, if went wrong, it's all your fault.  And if it went right, you were merely lucky.  

4. The more beneficial what you offer, the more furious the rejection. 

5. You could work 24/7 and still have a bajillion things needing your attention.

6. No matter how smart or capable your second in command, you're not so sure he could really take over at a moment's notice.

7. You know that one word could be a game changer.

8. When they're treating you like crap, you hunker down and keep your cool, knowing that a display of anger could be disastrous.

9. The flip-flopping, compromises and deals that seem like saving face,  come back to bite you in the ass.

10. You wish to God everyone would just focus on progress, instead of getting absorbed by B.S.    

11. The heart of your job is making sure everyone feels like they had their needs met.

12. Your giving to one will be seen as taking away from the other.

13. No matter how well conceived what you said, or how courageous, generous or expedient what you did, someone will find fault with it.  

14.  Your vacation, or other time off, will raise eyebrows. 

15. Sometimes, you have to remind yourself that you're dealing with children.