The soothsayers are predicting a one-term president. So, I've been puzzling over what I would do to extend my stay if I were the ultimate victor, if one can be called a victor, in this extraordinary presidential contest.

Not only do we have a virtual tie in the race for President, we have a virtually tied Congress. That could be a recipe for gridlock, which would make us all losers. So what can a real leader do as President to move our country forward? Here are some thoughts.

A leader first must present a vision for what he or she wants to accomplish. As the new, barely elected, President, I would lay out my picture of what America needs to achieve over the next four years. This would include my dreams for the well-being of all Americans, emphasis on the "all", a legislative package and a world view.

I would take this vision to the American people, travelling the country to meet with my opponents and supporters (equally divided, of course, just like the electorate) to discuss my vision and solicit their views. I would certainly need their help with this Congress. And, after this election, the voters need to feel included in deciding what's going to happen in America.

My leadership team would be critical. Given the lack of trust I would expect from half the people, I would find the most competent, thoughtful Americans to serve with me. There is no room in this next administration for mediocrity. But that should be no excuse for excluding any group from leadership. There are exceptional people throughout America who can greatly enhance this Presidency with their knowledge, experience and skills.

I would meet with Congressional leaders from both parties, talking about an agenda most of us could support, an agenda based on what most Americans want. That's because, as someone who needed to build public confidence in my willingness to serve all Americans, I would want to deliver what most people really want, not what the few demand.

This agenda would include education, prescription drugs and a tax cut. But, I'd be careful that legislation really represented the broad view. For example, there is little the federal government can and should do in education. But, most of us do care about smaller class sizes and safe buildings. The federal government, with its huge surpluses, could help local school districts renovate old and build new buildings and put more teachers in classrooms.

We all know the debate about prescription drugs for senior citizens. A fair and comprehensive plan would be my goal. There are several possibilities, but no one who is needy should be left out.

A tax cut is less important to most Americans than other needs, but with the surpluses we currently enjoy, it is a fair thing to do. This should be thoughtfully-drawn, particularly given our economic slowdown, and benefit those who need it most.

I would demonstrate to Americans that I could produce what they want most before I asked them to trust me with more difficult changes such as social security reform. This is a time to work for consensus in a deeply divided country rather than to push a one-sided agenda.

Crises can crater a new administration. I would bone up on potential domestic and foreign problems. I would meet with senior civil servants who will keep things moving during a transition. And, I would appoint teams to prepare for potential catastrophes, foreign and national.

Finally, I would reach out. Talk to mayors and governors. Meet with groups that opposed me. Schedule talks with foreign leaders whose support I would need in international negotiations or difficulties. Let everyone know that I am a leader of all the people, that I do indeed care about what you think, that I will provide a vision of what will work for America.

A difficult task amid such division? Yes. Is it possible-with the right goals and a broad, inclusive approach? Yes. I believe the next president can lead a divided America. I believe it is essential for our well-being.