07-07-2008, 08:49 AM
Hi,
Candidates with national legislative experience are often lacking in the executive capabilities, never having had to run anything (LBJ typifies this). Candidates with gubernatorial experience often lack the insider knowledge (Carter is a great example) and sometimes show an amazing ignorance of international affairs (Shrub, for instance). It is a rare candidate that combines all the necessary traits and has all the necessary experience.
So, IMHO, the wonder is not that we've had some real disasters in the office. The wonder is that most presidents have done a competent job and some have been excellent.
The only way to find out if any particular candidate is going to do well is to wait. No one that hasn't held the office (and some who have) is 'qualified'. And the lame duck amendment enforces the tradition that, about when a competent person has finally figured the job out, that person is permanently fired.
--Pete
Quote:It is questionable as to whether serving in a state legislature, or as a state Governor helps one to be President. Personally, I'd like to see that they have some success and record as a leader.The problem is that the presidency is a unique job. It requires executive capabilities, including but not limited to leadership. It requires insider knowledge at the national level. And it requires general knowledge on the national and international level.
Candidates with national legislative experience are often lacking in the executive capabilities, never having had to run anything (LBJ typifies this). Candidates with gubernatorial experience often lack the insider knowledge (Carter is a great example) and sometimes show an amazing ignorance of international affairs (Shrub, for instance). It is a rare candidate that combines all the necessary traits and has all the necessary experience.
So, IMHO, the wonder is not that we've had some real disasters in the office. The wonder is that most presidents have done a competent job and some have been excellent.
The only way to find out if any particular candidate is going to do well is to wait. No one that hasn't held the office (and some who have) is 'qualified'. And the lame duck amendment enforces the tradition that, about when a competent person has finally figured the job out, that person is permanently fired.
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?