The last thing the next American president need worry about — while handling the rigorous duties of battling global terrorism, global warming, oil prices, international relations between conflicting countries and the endless list of “fun” items on the inherited to-do list — is disloyalty within his or her own circle of trust.

The New York Times story yesterday, that ruffled many a feather, revealed a vitally important issue to discuss within the campaign headquarters of potential next-president-to-be John McCain: if elected, will he be able to assemble the perfect array of loyal cabinet members, ready to stick by him through thick and thin, through sickness and in health, till the conclusion of a term do they part?

Anonymous sources, a picture of an attractive lobbyist and the hype of a highly-anticipated presidential election catapulted The Times’ story from being a simple rehash of eight-year-old news, to a titillating tale of mistrust and vindictiveness within the McCain headquarters.

This story never happens if McCain has a tighter-knit, loyal circle of trust.

For as much as scrutiny Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton experienced when she changed her campaign manager following opponent Barack Obama’s Potomac Primaries sweep, the loyalty of her circle never fell in question; or, if it did, her circle was well-established enough to keep any potential rift under wraps. If only McCain had taken notes…

Obama, the surging, seemingly invincible candidate, is a shining example of how to run a tight-knit, closely guarded but openly honest campaign. Though fairly inexperienced in comparison with McCain and Clinton, Obama has a knack for setting up and maintaining a solid circle of trust. Without a well-run, loyal base, he never would have managed to careen from unlikely yet inspiring long-shot, to perennial, once-in-a-lifetime, can’t-miss presidential candidate.

McCain’s chances of inheriting the keys to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue are dwindling with every mishap within his circle. Last year, when he was low on funds and lost a close campaign adviser, people counted him out. As he made his way to the current standing as lead and presumed Republican presidential candidate, McCain’s comeback was promoted as a glowing example of resiliency and perseverance; it should have been seen as a glowing example of why he may be the wrong choice for president.

Say what you will about the regime of President George W. Bush, but his inner circle has remained blindly loyal to the bitter end of his two-term presidential rule. Even when they screwed up, Bush loyalists stood proud and tall, in plain sight of his mishaps and inefficiencies.

This should remind us that among the varied qualities we demand of the next American president, this election year campaign demands that we pay closer attention to a candidate’s ability to surround themselves with a loyal, trustworthy bunch.

The last thing this country needs is for rumors and leaks to seep out of the presidential cabinet while dealing with an international, life-threatening conflict. The American reputation has enough dents to last a lifetime already. Thanks to McCain for setting such a noteworthy example.