September 6th, 2008 | 
Author: note: read this previous post for a little more background…
The buzz around the blogosphere lately has been this post by Heather at Dooce.com. There’s also been a fair amount of debate at my friend Sarah’s site at alittlelessordinary.com.
First of all, I think it’s kinda crazy that people become so defensive over political stuff. Like, “You’re a Democrat and I’m a Republican therefore I can’t speak to you” or vice-versa. Our whole nation was founded on giving us the privilege of having opinions. So it’s just crazy that we attack each other for not agreeing with each other.
Heather believes that Sarah Palin is not qualified to be vice president. I must respectfully disagree. It seems to me that Sarah Palin has more executive experience than the other candidates (Obama, Biden, McCain) combined. Palin has experience as a governor (in the executive branch) of a state government. Obama, Biden, and McCain all have experience as Senators (in the legislative branch) of the federal govenment.
In fact- and I’d love to hear your opinions about this in the comments – what experience is necessary before becoming president? According to Article 2 of the US Constitution, the president must be at least 35 years old, be a natural born resident of the United States, and have been a permanent resident of the US for 14 years. What additional experiences do you believe the president should have?
Historically, many presidents began as lawyers. They left their law practices to (usually) run for grassroots-government-positions, i.e. city, county, or state government, and then worked up to the national government level. This has produced both very good and very controversial presidents, from both parties. (ex. Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, etc.)
My high school history teacher told us that “every war has made a president” which, to a large extent, is true. George Washington, Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight Eisenhower, and many other presidents began their careers in the military and later served as president. This has produced both very good and very controversial presidents, from both parties.
What do you think? What experience qualifies a man (or woman) to be president? (or vice president, as it may be…) John McCain’s experience comes first through the military and then through the US Senate. Sarah Palin’s experience comes as a city councilwoman, mayor, and governor of the state of Alaska – plus her experience as a mother, which I don’t think we should overlook. I believe these combined experience make this team more qualified that Obama-Biden, whose combined experience represents only the US Senate and the Illinois State Senate.
Posted in friends and family, writing and other jobs | Tags: Abraham Lincoln, Alaska, and governor, Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, becoming president, Biden, city councilwoman, Dwight Eisenhower, George Washington, Governor, Grover Cleveland, high school history teacher, Illinois State Senate, John McCain, mayor, national government, Obama, politically, president, Sarah Palin, Ulysses S. Grant, United States, United States Senate, vice president, Warren G. Harding, William Henry Harrison, Woodrow Wilson
I found you while running a search about Dooce’s post because I was floored by her audacity to discount a portion of the country. Made me absolutely sick. I’m glad there are other people out there that aren’t screaming “AMEN!” in her comment section.
Plunger Girls last blog post..This is my goodbye
For me, military experience is a HUGE, HUGE plus. The fact that McCain served in the military, not to mention he was a POW, in my opinion makes him 5 billion times more qualified than Obama. McCain has lived his life dedicated to his country, while Obama won’t even hold his hand over his heart during the pledge? Mmmmk.
Sarahs last blog post..September Giveaway
Politics are such a touchy subject and can easily offend people. I personally will not be voting for McCain or Obama, but rather adding Ron Paul to the ballot.
And I honestly do not think you can put qualifications on a Presidential candidate. All individuals are qualified for positions in their own manner. McCain has military in his background, but does this truly make him more qualified? And honestly, I will not get started on Sarah Palin. She may a qualified for the position, but I am just not impressed by her.
I just hope this whole political debate amongst the blog world settles because honestly, people should not get so incredibly heated over another persons views.
Jessicas last blog post..A cluster of thoughts, all bundled up in one post!
Thanks, PG. I’m not a politician and I’m definitely not an expert in every issue in this presidential election. But I am a voter and I have strong opinions about what is right and wrong for this country- as most people do, I think.
Politics are so passionate and though I try not to get personal in my attacks, I won’t claim that I have never done that before or never do that in the future. I think it’s important, though, that we all at least make an effort to respect each other, regardless of our disagreements.
I don’t know if you can say that any one thing makes a person qualified to be president. But I agree with you, Sarah. I think military experience is a huge plus.
I think you’re right, Jessica… you can’t say that any one thing makes a person qualified. It’s not the kind of thing you can study in college… you know, “bachelor of science degree with a major in being a president, minor in becoming president”.
I’m glad you are voting. Even if you are not voting for McCain or Obama, I think it’s really important to vote, and I’m glad you are going to be writing in a candidate.
Your take on this years election really stands out! I bookmarked your site so I can come back and check on the updates!
I agree with your post. Which is not something I will usually do!
I enjoy reading a post that will make one think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!i