The role of Chief of State that comes with the responsibility of the incumbent President of the United States is defined duties to:
"...generally include legitimizing the state and exercising the functions and duties granted to the head of state in the country's constitution, laws, unwritten customs, or by their traditions, including the appointment of members of the government and ambassadors."
The following examples of qualities of a good head of state:
> to be an inspiring example for the American people
> stands for the highest values and ideals of the country
President Obama has neglected these duties by his taking recluse within the White House to miss a funeral to honor the service of a highly ranked government official. He has prioritized politics of naming a replacement.