Experience…
Lately, I have been hearing a lot about the importance of experience when choosing a president. Lets have a mock election, shall we?
In one corner, we have the experienced Democratic nominee. Weighing in with over 20 years in Washington politics, he knows how the game is played. He has spent 10 years in the House, 10 years in the Senate, and 4 years as the Secretary of State, just to name a few of his credentials. Watch out for his mighty right hook of political expertise.
And in the other corner, we have our green Republican nominee. With only 8 years in the Illinois state legislature, two years in the House, and a few years as an attorney, this candidate is an experiential lightweight.
Who did you choose? If you chose the Democratic nominee with all the experience, congratulations! You have chosen James Buchanan, who most historians rank as the second worst president, losing only to Warren G. Harding.
If you picked the Republican nominee with very little experience in the realm of American government, kudos! You have chosen Abraham Lincoln, who most historians rate as the greatest president ever.
Other presidents with little experience in government ranked in the Top 10 Presidents include: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Dwight Eisenhower.
Obviously, experience is not always needed to make a great President. Experience doesn’t guarantee a great President. Sometimes, the more important qualities are vision, rhetorical skill, and the ability to bring people together from both sides of the aisle. These were all qualities Lincoln possessed.
A common concern with Barack Obama is that he does not have the experience required to be President. I think that he has a lot of common with our greatest president. Both practiced as a private attorney, served in the Illinois legislature, and had only one term in Congress under his belt when he ran for president. Both rose to national prominence after a powerful speech at his parties nominating convention.
Do not be so quick to dismiss Senator Obama since he has not been in politics as long as his competitors. Focus instead on his dreams for this nation, how he plans to achieve true change for our country. Look at his ability as a speaker to make people believe in themselves and their country. Look at his character as a man and record as a citizen. You will not be disappointed.
March 19th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Ya know, I never gave this much thought and I thank you for making me think. I admit to be one of those “Obama doesn’t have the experience” people. And I will remain that way. Reason being is that situations and circumstances are a lot different and you have to look at them differently than the past. I’m not saying that Obama would be a bad president, but could he actually make his goals and dreams come true? I’m just not sure.
And also, maybe some new blood is what we need? Someone who hasn’t been taken over with corruption and the like.
I guess I’ve really not made much of a point on this matter, but if Obama get the nomination, he’s got my vote.