Dom Giordano Column: Luck Vs. Success
By Dom Giordano
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- As you know, I differ very strongly with President Obama over major policy issues like Obamacare, the Iran nuclear deal, and a host of other major issues. These differences are very severe. However, the thing that struck a nerve with me at a very personal level was the President's comments at a rally in Virginia during the 2012 presidential race.
During this speech, the president in an attempt to tell his supporters that collective societal supports were what propelled individual success said, "You didn't build that." You may remember the outrage felt by listeners, particularly small business people. I felt this deeply at my core.
The President doubled down on this line of thought during a speech he gave at Howard University on Saturday. He told graduates that a big pet peeve of his was that successful people forget how much of a role luck played in their success. I reject this tactic and philosophy. I must be in denial.
I very observed and interviewed thousands of very successful people. It's true that some were lucky to be born into wealthy and powerful families. However, most have chased success. They have worked very hard, networked relentlessly, and grabbed onto every opportunity. They have sacrificed mightily.
President Obama was not "lucky" in winning two presidential campaigns. He ran masterful campaigns. How about sharing the focused hard work that went into those huge successes? How about talking about the choices that went into winning?
The President is on his legacy tour over the next number of months. This legacy was not shaped by luck but by choices, drive and skill.