As head of state of the U.S. Government meaning the president is the highest ranking member of government he or she represents the United States as the chief diplomat in interactions with other countries. Also given his constitutional powers he or she is also the commander in chief meaning they are in charge of the military with fits with their overall position as head of the executive branch of the U.S. Government.
In considering how to respond, you should recognize the feelings of Mrs. White in which she feels despair and guilt that was evident on her statement. It is best to recognize her feelings, have an empathy towards her feelings and to find a best way that will suitable reply that will not offend the other party.
Answer:
Research is practical and realistic because it is based on the scientific method, which demands that research should be start with an hypothesis, that should be falsifiable (meaning that it can be proven right or wrong), followed by a scientific study in which the hypothesis is tested.
If the hypothesis is proven to be true, it does not mean that is conclusions will hold true for eternity, they could be proven wrong by further studies.
For this reason, research is both practica, because it is based on a practical method: the scientific method, and realistic, because it has a limited scope, and limited, verifiable understanding of reality, and can be proven wrong with other studies.
It's not the middle or the west of the US. Because when the US was expanding in the 19th century - and when many regions were initially being named - the “Midwest” was to the west of the main population centers in the “13 colony” states on the Eastern Seaboard