What does 'in high office' mean?
While I read U.S President Obama's inaugural speech,
I found these sentences:

"...Yet, every so often the (presidential) oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.
At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office,
but because we the people..."

Question

What does 'in high office' mean?
While I read U.S President Obama's inaugural speech,
I found these sentences:

"...Yet, every so often the (presidential) oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.
At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office,
but because we the people..."

Answer

In this case, "office" means the position of an elected official. "High office" would be an important position, as being president of the country or company, or being governer of a state, though being president is a higher office than governer.

Answer

It means the person who takes charge or has the power to make great decisions.