Facing the future I have been asked why, after 25 years of covering presidents, I haven't gotten bored with it all. 

The answer is that, no matter how Ronald Reagan approached the office, this is not show business. The world takes the American president very seriously.  

 The history of the 20th century tells us that the president of the United States has been the single most important political leader in the world. Yes, there are other great leaders, but with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States has assumed the mantle of world leadership. It's important to look closely at the occupant of the Oval Office. How well - or poorly - that person grapples with the challenges he or she confronts will play a large role in determining whether the hopes and dreams of the world come true.  

 What we can discern from studying the president's face - and his actions - may offer us an insight into what the future holds for all.