Does the President actually DO anything?

Or, rather, does the President actually do anything that would AFFECT the lives of anyone in a position to run for President?

The President can and does affect the lives of the lower 50% of the income population.

But anyone politically able to run or financially able to buy the Presidency would be better off buying a Congresscritter or a critter's position.

In other words, what incentive is there for the best and brightest to become President?