Leaving Clinton and FDR aside for a moment, where has so-called "executive experience" gotten us?

[Tejanocrat]

I see many people touting "executive experience" as a reason why some voters may prefer candidates with gubernatorial experience like Mitt Romney, Tommy Thompson, or Mike Huckabee.

What's up with that?

Bush was Governor of Texas. His "executive experience" hasn't worked out for us, has it?

Ronald Reagan was Governor of California. His "executive experience" did nothing to inform his jingoistic imperial world view, his anti-labor prejudices and anti-middle class economic policies, or his intolerance of gays.

Jimmy Carter was Governor of Georgia. He is a great moral leader with a beautiful vision of peace and community but his "executive experience" did not save his administration from errors.

Calvin Coolidge was Governor of Massachusetts. His "executive experience" did nothing to mitigate either the magnitude of, or the harsh effects from, the depression.

Who have been the greatest presidents in our history? Kennedy (a Senator with no gubernatorial experience), Lincoln (a Congressman with no gubernatorial experience), Washington (a General with no gubernatorial experience).

We need to re-think the "executive experience" myth.

[SaveElmer]

1. Teddy Roosevelt...

Woodrow Wilson...

I guess one could argue that Dwight Eisenhower had executive experience...

[skipos]

2. Executive experience helps candidates get elected President

especially in the last century.

So does likeability.

Yes, it may be overrated, but there is no reason to ignore the fact that senators have trouble getting elected President. Probably because senators are a bit easier to smear.

[blm]

6. So, iow, we MUST fear the media and adapt accordingly? Wouldn't they have covered up for

the Bushboy even if he were the Senator from Texas?

Wouldn't they attack ANY Democrat with the GOP's preferred storyline even if they were Gen. Jesus H Christ, the Governor of Ohio?

[Orrex]

3. Surely you're not forgetting the mighty Calvin Coolidge?!?

48th Governor of Massachusetts, thankyouverymuch.

He's the originator of the seventh-inning-stretch and he may have indirectly coined the famed Coolidge Effect. If that's not Presidential greatness, I defy you to tell me what is.

[illinoisprogressive]

4. Executive experience is not an end all be all. i feel a good measure

is personal experience and things accomplished before politics. A person's ability to have ideas and forward thinking. A desire to improve the country and not use it. To move America and it's people to achieve great things.
We have some good candidates who may not have the executive thing but, are strong candidates who can do good things and be good presidents.
Though i am an obama supporter i will point out one of his rivals instead. Edwards has the ability to move people and has good ideas and would help the country move forward.

[blm]

5. Let's be REALLY HONEST - Gore wanted new Clinton WH to tackle welfare reform BEFORE

it submitted a Health care plan, because he said LEGISLATIVELY welfare reform would be a certain victory and the Democrats would have the upper hand in drafting the bill.

He said that victory would STRENGTHEN the ability to pass the Healthcare bill.

Gore's path was rejected.

So - how would things look today if GORE'S insight into legislative process and players were heeded in 1993?

Healthcare passing in 94? No GOP turnover of Congress in 95? No impeachment in 98? President Gore?