In general, absentee fathers are bad for kids growing up. However, looking at some politicians whose fathers either died or were absent, you can see that they developed leadership capabilities because they were forced to fill the void that their father couldn't or wouldn't. It also might help explain some of the lack of morality in some of the politicians mentioned here. While you may be tempted to be absent so that your kid has a shot at being the president, remember that you are a bad leader yourself if you do not put in the time and take responsibility for caring for your family. It's easy to start a family, but difficult to maintain one. Perhaps your greatest challenge in life will not be your career, but putting in the time and work that is required to raise your family.