David Brooks Is Disappointed that Politicians Are Not Philosophers

In a discussion of President Obama's re-election prospects David Brooks bemoans the fact that:

"this race, like almost all re-election races, is shaping up to be a referendum on the incumbent, not a choice between two visions."

When would an election ever be "a choice between two visions?" Why would anyone expect a politician to have a vision? Do accountants and truck drivers have visions?

Most probably do, but it is irrelevant to their jobs, just as a presidential candidate's vision is irrel...