All indications are that next year’s presidential primary is going to feature a crowded field, but I’m casting an early write-in ballot for a candidate who might be considered a dark horse  — uh, mouse.

You heard it here first. Mickey for president in 2016!

OK, before you go thinking this is partisan political commentary directed toward the Republicans or Democrats (Believe me, neither side needs my help to look like cartoon characters) just relax. But after spending about a week at Disney World I’m convinced our government system — the big wigs in Washington in particular — could learn a lot from looking at the kingdom that Walt built.

On many levels, the Disney empire operates like a city, state or even small country.

Follow my logic.

First of all, having a quality workforce is a crucial component to governments functioning efficiently. At Disney World the employees are mostly comprised of college kids working on internships, many of whom are from foreign countries and English is a second language. Yet they get the right training, know exactly what they are supposed to do and basically turn pure chaos into a well-oiled machine.

Second, another typical function of government is providing public transportation. Disney may have one of the best systems. There are hundreds of buses and trains moving thousands of people from countless locations all day, every day. Everything is on time. How many public transit systems can say that?

Further, Disney World’s ability to embrace the Internet and the digital age of communication is second to none. The company’s website processes tens of thousands of reservations each year and all the details associated with them.

The site and phone app are constantly updating with live data regarding wait times, dining options and fast pass selections. Imagine if the federal government’s healthcare exchange network worked that smoothly two years ago.

Indisputably, Disney World is the king of capitalism as they monetize every service they provide and make money off of each. I assure you that no element at Disney operates at a deficit like pretty much all of Washington D.C.

When it comes to marketing, Disney doesn’t take a back seat to anyone and has created a global brand people love and aspire to emulate. (The good old U. S. of A could use a little of that public relations mojo throughout the world right now.) Everything they do is about cultivating an image so that “magical” comes to mind when people think of the House of Mouse.

Maybe capturing some of that Disney magic and showcasing the elements that make our country special is exactly what we need in the White House. We need our leaders in Washington to draw on their inner child, not act like children.

Who knows? We might even get our first female vice president or, ultimately, commander in chief. Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton can’t hold a candle to Minnie.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.