Other than rigid ideologues, old-timers, and people like Clinton whose
whole lives have been directed towards nothing but high office, nobody decent
will run. The price is just too high. One hopes that the best people at least
will serve in advisory roles if asked rather than distance themselves entirely.
The last time I ran for office (county school board) I discovered that I was
treated as if I were running for Congress or Senator. A jillion interest groups
demanded I show up and tell them how I was going to do their bidding, I got
constant calls and folks showing up from local media, there were cable channel
interview shows and a radio debate and a ton of other stuff–all for an office
that's never been a springboard to other offices, doesn't even have the final
say on its budget, and is considered part-time and pays a mere $1500 a year!
That one run was enough for me. I couldn't imagine what a horror it would be if
I ran for something important.