Mix & Match

A intellectual exercise. Assume the DNA remains the same but the environment changes. What becomes of a father's legacy to his son?

Give blood and guts to the question as the presidential nomination preseason winds down (FINALLY!). Consider son-of-prez Steve Fordand aspirants John McCain and Barack Obama.

What would be different as America considers who might lead it if the son who carried a generational legacy of military service — and whose sons have received that from him — has instead been born into the more relaxed environment of a former model/eagle scout who "accidentally" became president.

Or, what if the son who hasn't seen his father in 36 years, but only lost him 25 year ago, had not his father's independence and world view but also a sense of the tradition and the foundation of a family (not just a mother's love) that would have come from the more buttoned up military life?

And would the nice guy have been a leader if his mettle had been tested a bit more growing up?

** Gene's predispose; flesh and blood dads impose. **