The process of vetting presidential candidates in America is historically ad hoc and accomplished by American institutions that include:
- Political parties
- The press
- The voting public
- Electoral College
- Law enforcement agencies at every level
The book, How to Select an American President by James A. George and James A. Rodger (c) 2016 Archway Publishing, suggests a process for voters, political parties, and candidates for presenting their resumes for evaluation, validating and verification.
Political parties have a responsibility to endorse and approve candidates bearing their brand. That includes ensuring that the candidates are free of conflicts of interest and of any legal impediments that include Constitutional minimums and more. "The more" part is ensuring that taxes are paid and that the presidential candidate would pass musters for obtaining the highest security clearance. That would require a background check.
The Electoral College is the last institution standing between a president-elect and becoming a sitting president.
Because president-elect Trump has not been forthcoming with his IRS filings and because he appears to have conflicts of interest with Russian entities through his associates, if not directly, the Electoral College must ask for a briefing by the CIA and FBI to ensure that Mr. Trump has no conflicts or impediments.
Much more work needs to be accomplished by political parties to improve the process.
"IS DONALD TRUMP EVEN VETTING HIS CABINET PICKS?
His two latest rumored appointees suggest that loyalty and image, not qualifications, matter most to Trump.
BY ABIGAIL TRACY
NOVEMBER 23, 2016 11:20 AM"
http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2016/11/donald-trump-cabinet-vetting-process
Getty Image/ Vanity Fair
Since the Senate wants to limit its part in the process, the default for leadership will go to the Electoral College.
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