Like Truman, Paterson is getting his chance

When Franklin Delano Roosevelt died from a cerebral hemorrhage in the closing months of World War II there was an entire political generation who had known only one president in the White House. As his casket was rolled through Washington, many in America thought the world was coming to an end as they could not conceive that some failed haberdasher from Missouri could take on the task of leading the free world.

As vice president, Truman was kept in the massive shadow of the legendary Roosevelt. Removed from wartime policy making, he was briefed on little, given virtually no access to the president and enlisted for little more than presiding over the senate. Few looked at his solid senate career and most looked away from the Missouri political machine that gave birth to his career.

Yet Truman would go on to be one of the most effective presidents in our history as he faced a postwar world of considerable danger. He surprised pundits, voters, Congress and his opponents. More than 60 years after his tenure, historians continue to give him high marks.

So it would be wise to turn to our history to understand the nature of Gov. David Paterson. While born of a politically prominent family, Paterson made it a point to chart his own course, create his own career and develop his own reputation. Far more than state Senate "back bencher," he was able to use compromise and dialogue while aggressively advancing his party's agenda. In short, he could be your opponent without ever losing his sense of humanity. While always a gentleman, one would underestimate him only at his own peril.

Truman offered similar political qualities, proving just how resilient he was when he confounded the analysts of his day, and his Republican challenger, by beating Thomas Dewey after a hard-fought campaign. Later he would stun the nation again by dismissing General Douglas MacArthur for insubordination in Korea. Time after time Truman surprised critics and allies alike.

Now think Albany. And think Paterson.

The governor arrives at his job following his predecessor's political fall that will spark books, film scripts and Web sites for a generation or more. Let others contemplate the meaning of Spitzer's personal destruction. We don't have that luxury. Gov. Paterson and the state Legislature have a crucial political agenda that will literally determine the future of New York.

The most direct challenge for the Paterson Administration will be the perception that he does not have an agenda extending beyond the borders of Manhattan. His new constituents between Erie County and Montauk are warily waiting to hear what he thinks about issues that range from casinos outside Buffalo to energy transmission on Long Island. What about a new Tappan Zee Bridge? What does he think about the state's agriculture industry? And are we really going to levy a surcharge on high wage earners throughout New York?

Add to the governor's challenge the simple reality that every commissioner appointed by Spitzer will now move no policy, sign no document or approve any request that helps keep government in motion.

Each one of these individuals will be awaiting word on whether the governor wants them on the job or will insist on a replacement. Others, like Economic Development Corp. Chairman Pat Foye, are already leaving.

The result is the same, a state government waiting for Paterson to put his personal imprint on the state. Every day that a commissioner awaits his fate is one day that government revs in neutral, and Paterson knows he will need to work fast to address this issue and the looming deficits that could cripple our future. Everything else is a distraction to the enormous challenge of putting New York right.

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