we're already there. right now it's a popularity contest between the most charismatic individuals.
if we did things my way, the president would be selected from a group of intellectuals and geniuses with IQs above 130. they would be required to pass tests on history, English speaking/grammar/syntax, world politics, economics, and multi-tasking. it would be a matter of physical and mental capabilities rather than public influence, and the position and glamour of presidency would be reduced to that of a simple civil servant. i would also lower the requirement age to 25 in the case that there are some sufficiently responsible young prodigies available for the task of running a nation.
sure, i'd be telling democracy to suck a bag of dicks, but i find that appealing to the masses is a foolish thing to do.