Clay Creager and Iris Burnett, authors of
“So You Think You Can Be President?”

We have FCAT’s to get out of high school and SAT’s to get into college, but we have no test to get into the White House.

As voters shouldn’t we be more demanding of our presidential candidate’s qualifications to run for the highest office in our land?

I have always been perplexed casting my ballot for the lesser of two evils.

And now, for the first time, there’s a solution — it’s Iris Burnett and Clay Creager’s new book, “So You Think You Can Be President,” which contains 200 questions, with narration, to determine if you are right (or left) enough to be the next commander in-chief.

The timing for this humorous book (available late April, 08) form Skyhorse Publishing, New York, couldn’t be better for the three presidential hopefuls in what has been the longest and most boring, and cantankerous on the Democratic side, nomination campaign this nation has had to endure.

I just hope, McCain, Clinton and Obama — and the voters — have the good common sense to read this book and lighten up their campaigns as Iris and Clay have in this delightful book.

Iris is the first and only woman to have been Director of Security for a National Political convention and has over 30 years experience in politics, and government and entertainment, played key roles in eight Presidential campaigns, an advisor to Presidents, and was a communication strategist to numerous elected officials.

I met Clay, much the way Iris did, in a tee shirt shop called the Last Flight Out, across from Sloppy Joes.  Besides tee shirts he also sold books on his philosophy on life, something that is worth reading.

To say Clay’s a character is an understatement.  He’s a thinker, author, philosopher and poet, all of which is based upon a lifetime of experiences from being a coal miner in Shamokin, Pa., and a Vietnam veteran, who served two tours of duty as a helicopter gunner.

His military service was so respected by the higher command; he has been invited to the changing of the command ceremonies of Generals overseeing the Iraqi war.

While the book is interspersed with multiple choice questions, which help the candidates select the right choices to project their image, it also contains narration, such as:

“The image the public sees of the President is very, very important.  While one who chooses to rule the world must be a leader, it is necessary for them to display intellectual ability, compassion and mundane qualities to which all Americans can relate.  This is especially true when it comes to hobbies and personal sporting activities.  Due to embarrassing past examples like hitting golf balls into public viewing areas, falling off bicycles, overdoing a love for exotic foods and then throwing up in public, and shooting people, you need to be careful in your choices.”

Iris and Clay have put together a very timely and entertaining book, which should be read by candidates and voters alike, for after all, we wouldn’t want to leave anyone behind.

To get an autographed copy of the book email Clay Creager at claycreager@aol.com.