With all the sniping from the Clinton camp about whether Barack Obama has enough experience to make a strong president, consider another presidential candidate who was far more of a novice. He had the gall to run for president even though he had served a single undistinguished term in the House of Representatives, before being hounded back to his district.
Another successful president scorned any need for years of apprenticeship in Washington, declaring, “The same old experience is not relevant.” He suggested that the most useful training comes not from hanging around the White House and Congress but rather from experience “rooted in the real lives of real people” so that “it will bring real results if we have the courage to change.”
That was Bill Clinton running in 1992 against George H. W. Bush, who was then trumpeting his own experience over the callow youth of Mr. Clinton. That year Mr. Bush aired a television commercial urging voters to keep America “in the hands of experience.”
It might seem obvious that long service in Washington is the best preparation for the White House, but on the contrary, one lesson of American history is that length of experience in national politics is an extremely poor predictor of presidential success.
What I don't understand is why Obama won't show her the door. SAY SOMETHIN, YO; smack her down. I'm tired of him leaving me hanging. It's like being on a third date and the guy still hasn't kissed you. (Well, almost like that because really, if the guy hasn't kissed you on the third date, you know he's actually gay. It really has nothing to do with him liking you or not. He's gay. Face it. Move on... )...
So Obama, we want a big phat wet smooch (and for you to pick up the tab). No, really, SHOW ME SOME SPINE, and yes, I'm still your biggest fan.
Really, though, go read Kristof's article, because it's the best ending line ever.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/20/opinion/20kristof.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin
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