Running for President

Prominent business executives often play active roles in United States presidential campaigns as fundraisers or backroom strategists but few actually seek to become president themselves. Throughout history the great majority of those who have sought to become president have been lawyers, military leaders, or full-time politicians. This is understandable, for the personality and skills that make for success in business do not make for success in politics. Business is largely hierarchical, whereas politics is coordinative; as a result, business executives tend to be uncomfortable with compromises and power sharing, which are inherent in politics.

Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the proposed explanation of why business executives do not run for president?

(A) Many of the most active presidential fundraisers and backroom strategists are themselves politicians.
(B) Military leaders are generally no more comfortable with compromises and power sharing than are business executives.
(C) Some of the skills needed to become a successful lawyer are different from some of those needed to become a successful military leader.
(D) Some former presidents have engaged in business ventures after leaving office
(E) Some hierarchically structured companies have been major financial supporters of candidates for president.


OA B