It has become predictable for politicians and pundits to refer to presidential elections as "historic" and/or "one of the most important in our history." While few elections are worthy of those labels, 2008 deserves both. Historic because an African American has been nominated for president and for only the second time a woman has received a major-party nomination for vice president. The importance of the election is defined by the multitude of challenges facing our nation.

Although the United States remains the strongest and most influential country in the world, that leadership position is under assault by a host of other nations and a litany of self-inflicted misjudgments.

Our education system is trailing in such critical areas as math and science. Our dependence on foreign oil is siphoning off resources that otherwise could go toward the strengthening of our economy and the creation of jobs. We are falling behind in maintaining our infrastructure.

We face alarming deficits in many core government programs, such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. We have not been able to stop, or even slow, the spread of illegal drugs and its devastating social consequences. Our federal government taxes us too heavily, spends too much money and is often an inefficient steward of our tax dollars.

To this list of problems and failures we must add the threat to our national security posed by governments that sponsor terrorists.

No one person or one political party has the solutions to all of these formidable challenges. It is certain, however, that we do not need (as has been suggested by the Democratic candidate) more taxes, more spending, more bureaucracy-laden government programs and a weakening of our armed forces. What is required is extraordinary leadership.

There are as many definitions of leadership as there are styles of leaders. The list of qualities required of a leader could fill many pages. For me, however, three are crucial: a record of accomplishment, experience and character.

A comparison of our presidential nominees clearly shows that John McCain stands significantly ahead in each of these three categories.

John McCain's record of service as a naval officer and as a U.S. senator has produced a well-documented list of accomplishments. His is a career marked by heroism, fighting against wasteful spending and, most important, standing on principle.

John McCain has broken ranks with his own political party when he believed that its policies were not good for the country. He has reached across the aisle to form partnerships to promote better and more efficient government. He is a committed public servant who has always put service and country above self and party. In short, he is a man of character.

Many thoughtful observers of the presidency consider character to be the single most important quality required for the position. If the ingredients of character are courage, honesty, integrity and dedication, John McCain sets an example that few can match.

Now, perhaps more than ever, America needs a man of character. America needs John McCain as president and commander-in-chief.