Experience

Here is a great article from George Will regarding the topic of experience in the political arena. He starts by referencing the Federalist Papers, which mention "experience" 91 times. He goes on to explain:

"...Buchanan was the most qualified person to run for president, before or since.

At least he was if varied experience in high offices fully defines who is "qualified." But it does not.

Buchanan had been a five-term congressman, then ambassador to Russia, then a two-term senator, then secretary of state, then ambassador to Britain. Buchanan then became perhaps the worst president.

Clearly, experience is not sufficient to prove a person "qualified" for the presidency. But it is a necessary component of qualification.

So are two other attributes. One is character. Richard Nixon was qualified by his experience as congressman, senator and vice president, but disqualified by character. The second is a braided mental rope of constitutional sense and political common sense."

The article goes on to suggest that Palin is possibly the fusion of the needed traits, which will help Washington in this time. I am excited to see if this is true. I have an inkling it is.

UPDATE: Here is another great article, this one by Thomas Sowell regarding "Foreign Policy Experience."