(Willingness Works, San Diego, California, February 21, 2008) The 2008 election cycle is in full-swing and sizzling -- with the candidates and the pressing and complex issues of the day now combining to bring hundreds of thousands of “new” voters into our political process. But, for all Americans, how will we ultimately determine for whom to cast our vote -- especially as our choices in candidates narrow? One deciding factor transcends political party and ideology: a candidate’s character. And the most vital element of that character? In a word, integrity.

So says author, nonpartisan Integrity Analyst, and seasoned psychologist David Gruder, Ph.D., who has just launched a timely tool to help the public as well as media in this process of discernment: the Politician’s Integrity Rating Tool.  It is free and online @ www.TheNewIQ.com/pirt. This is a just-launched companion element to Dr. Gruder’s second book which was recently released, The New IQ: How Integrity Intelligence Serves You, Your Relationships, and Our World (Elite Books/EPP, January 2008, review copies available).  

The timeliness of focusing on integrity regarding our nation’s 2008 elections makes Dr. Gruder’s online integrity rating tool invaluable. But, furthermore, from the board room, to the privacy of our own bedrooms and virtually everywhere in between, one thing our society is badly in need of is a restoration of integrity in general. The New IQ provides a dynamic how-to manual for restoring this disappearing virtue in today’s society. Championing a global integrity revolution is a prime motivating mission for Dr. Gruder, who also established a companion website for his international Integrity Pledge push: www.IntegrityPledge.org.

For nearly three decades now, Dr. Gruder has facilitated integrity enhancement for entities ranging from American Express, to the U.C. San Diego Medical School, to instructing ambassadors and other delegates of the World Trade Organization et al. while concurrently maintaining a waiting-list private psychotherapy practice from 1980 until 2000. He is Executive Director of Willingness Works® in Del Mar, California, though which he lectures, trains, and consults worldwide in his specialty of Integrity Development & Enhancemen

As a result of its broad relevance, the accolades for Dr. Gruder’s The New IQ come from a wide range of society’s sectors:

"Leaders need an integrity check-up and Dr. Gruder is just the man to do it. His simple yet powerful integrity model provides a much-needed shot in the arm."
- Ken Blanchard, bestselling business author, speaker, co-author of Leading at a Higher Level

"This is the book that can spearhead a massive transformation in our individual, relational and societal integrity and wholeness."
- Constance Wells, Senior Vice-President, Walt Disney Studios

"If you only read one book this year about your own development as a truly three-dimensional human being, this is the one!"
- George J. Pratt, Ph.D., Chairman, Psychology, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA

"A profound roadmap for healing the blocks to living a life of joy and integrity."
- Margaret Paul, Ph.D., bestselling author of Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You? and Inner Bonding

Truly, whether the discussion of the day centers around the continuing global financial fallout of the rogue French securities trader, Roger Clemens’ congressional testimony, changes afoot in Cuba, or the latest political verbal volley from those on the road to the White House, you can be assured that at the core of the issue will be this single element of integrity: who has it, who doesn’t, and how does this affect us all as a society? 

Dr. David Gruder was interviewed extensively for his first book, Sensible Self Help, which won two book awards, including Colliers 1997 Mental Health Book of the Year. He has good availability and can also be considered as a last-minute guest. 

Downloadable press kit available. For additional information including website addresses, a review copy of The New IQ, or to make interview requests/booking arrangements, please contact (Ms.) S.A. “Sam” Jernigan, Renaissance Consultations, sam@MarketingAndPR.com, cell: 530.362.1339 (PST)