Does experience really matter?

[alexwcovington]

I mean, every schoolchild knows what the President does, and virtually anyone who has held partisan elected office is guaranteed to have a good grasp of politics.

Most people vote on issues.

Is experience really a factor in deciding who you vote for?

[Leilani]

1. Of course experience matters!

It's a no brainer.

Look at the Bozo in the WH.

After 9/11 things could have been so different if we had someone who knew what he was doing.

[jpgray]

2. Of course. It isn't absolutely necessary, but it's an asset (nt)

[HawkerHurricane]

3. Everything (almost) is a factor.

Do I agree with his positions? Does he have a reputation for honesty? Does he seem intelligent? Does he correct his mistakes? Etc. Etc.

I remember what I told a Republican friend back in 1996...
"Yes, I know that Clinton won't be able to do what he's saying, and that he'll back down on a lot of it. I also know that Dole will do exactly what he's said he'll do because he's honest. That's why I'm voting for Clinton. Because Clinton will say everything I like, do half of it, and I'll call it a win, while Dole says nothing I like, will do all of it, and I'll hate it."

[Adjoran]

4. Of course it matters

just as it matters when you apply for a job. The guy with little related experience is going to be at a disadvantage against those with more.

It's not the only factor, by any means, but it is one important factor to be considered.

[Zynx]

5. No. Experience is no predictor of how good of a president they will be.

What matters is judgement.

[HawkerHurricane]

6. Good judgement comes from experience.

Experience comes from bad judgement.

Experience is important, BUT there are different types of experience. Political, military, business... all counts for something, and comparing records on that experience (and others I didn't mention) can give you a good idea how a candidate will be as President.

For example: G. W. Bush
Political: Governer of Texas; passed tax cuts that bankrupted state.
Military: Had cushy National Guard slot, got special favors to go to Alabama, then didn't show up for duty.
Business: Every business but one (Texas Rangers) suffered greatly. Rangers made questionable deal with city government, and a profit.
School: Got into both Harvard and Yale due to connections. Mediocre student.

See, you can tell a lot about how a man will govern by his experience...