Experience and Performance: Do they correlate?

and the instinctual reaction to Palin listening to her speak is, she knows what she's doing, and Obama doesn't. I'll go as far as to say, that of the four players in this campaign, SHE appears to have the most "gravitas". Interesting, I think.

I look forward to hearing her when grilled by media and in the debates. That will tell us a lot.

Thanks for going to the effort.

I too look forward to her future debates. I think she will surprise a lot of naysayers.

I also think that she has more experience and is better qualified for President than Ovomit!

Makes Obama look like a kindergartener. Palin has more executive experience than Barack and Biden combined.

(for the caveat)-- In captian O's view, we are supposed to judge his experience by his campaign organization. (is that kinda post-modern?)

In captian O's view, we are supposed to judge his experience by his campaign organization. (is that kinda post-modern?)

Excellent! You have done a great service!! I hope a lot of folks read this.

You are so right on Judgement vs experience. Biden's 36 yrs in Senate as a Liberal have given him Ideas on foreign policy that are bad for America. Reliance on UN, reliance on appeasment , ie European diplomacy etc

At least when Palin is asked a question 'off the cuff' she can answer. She doesn't need to know the questions in advance to be able to answer; this is a HUGE plus for any leader! Whether they are a teacher, an executive, but especially if they are trying to run a nation!

Wow! Lots of research you did and good job.

I am so pleased with the Sara Palin pick and since I'm a woman, I'm also pleased to see the repubs finally pick one for such a high position.

But, that is irrelevant. She's got what it takes IMHO. She's smart, savvy, a barracuda, and she is not going to take crap from anyone, including McCain.

Best thing McCain has done so far.

by doing this is that you can't really predict much based on volume of experience....you can based on type of experience and evidence of judgement shown...I think this was a very creative pick....personally I think it was more aimed at the base than Hillary supporters, many of them will not consider a pro life ticket, a few are angry enough to cross over and their votes will help....More than them, she appeals to people sick of the elite arrogance of Obama and in fact of most of Washington. The press ripping her as a small town mayor is probably making a big mistake, especially if she has a good grasp of foreign policy when she debates Biden.

Better to have little experience than to have a thirty five year record of wrong decisions like Biden does as Kevin says. Thanks to all for the comments, Pepp, hope you are feeling better.

Great analysis.

You may be encouraged to hear that my lifelong liberal (radical liberal) mother listened to Obama's convention extravaganza (oops) speech and wasn't impressed. When we watched the news the next day and she saw and heard about McCain's pick - SHE DECIDED TO VOTE FOR McCAIN!!!! The pro-life part didn't scare her but the going after corrupt repubs and dems convinced her. It was McCain's pick that made her cross over. See, even liberals can become sick of the status quo!

I never thought I'd see that day....Thats one Hillary voter converted....I wonder if her sister Mary and your cousin will switch too or if they will cast her into the political darkness.

I am speechless....

Fantastic post! This is a great breakdown. Palin is no less qualified than anyone who has assumed the office. I am a fir believer that there is no experience that can truly prepare one for the rigors and the burden of the Presidency; but, there are leaders who rise to the occasion -people like Reagan and Truman who are discounted or unknown and then rise to greatness.

Good research here. I found it interesting and learned some things.

Is there a spot for Obama's great new experience for President that his campaign is touting? Now that he has been running for President for decades (okay - year and half - two), he has learned a lot and is more than ready. Hmmm...

... and I would have guessed that guys like Nixon had longer time in gub'mint before being President. Seems like he was around forever before '68 as some kind of public dole lackey.

One comment/question on McCain and exec experience, and perhaps your Navy experience gives you a better insight, but I've seen references to McCain having been in command of the largest Naval flight squadron (apologies if my terminology is off - please feel free to correct) after his return from Viet Nam. This is usually cited as his having had some executive experience. Is that fair and/or accurate?