Evidence of experience is good. However, it is far less important than evidence of -ability-

[jpgray]

The ability to make the right decision on a controversial issue. The ability to stand up for one's principles. The ability to remain loyal to the have-nots even as you've vaulted up, partially on their shoulders, to greener pastures. The ability to advocate clearly and intelligently for your beliefs without bullying or venom. The ability to understand nuance, and take a clear, discernible stance that cuts through yet expresses the complexities. Ability makes the big difference. Experience without the right kind of ability doesn't count for very much. And many without the right kind of ability have plenty of experience.

[Evergreen Emerald]

1. Right On: Clinton lives those values

Go Clinton

[cali]

3. Sadly, I don't believe she does.

Anyone who voted for the IWR showed a distinct lack of judgement. And that can also be said of her vote on K/L. It simply wasn't exercising good judgment. That's not true of all of her votes by any means, but it is true of some very important ones.

[Evergreen Emerald]

5. I disagree. But, if you are holding Clinton to that standard, what about the others?

[cali]

6. oh, c' mon. you know I hold Edwards to the same standard

and no, I don't believe that Obama's voting to continue funding the war- with votes supporting withdrawal dates, rises to the same level.

[Evergreen Emerald]

9. I think it is worse: cause then they KNEW that Bush is lying.

It all came out by then. And they still supported the war. Obama gets a free pass, knowing that he already has said he does not know how he would have voted. He says he gave a speech opposing the war--well so did Clinton.

[ccpup]

8. if one is to "punish", in effect, a Candidate

for how they voted -- or didn't vote! -- on one or two important issues, one may find there aren't any Candidates left to vote for!

I find it's better to look at the totality of one's record. What they've actually done with the opportunity afforded to them by the Voters in the Senate -- or Governor or Congressperson -- and see if they've actually walked the talk they're ... you know, talking.

[sniffa]

7. HA

[gene430]

2. Agreed

Replace the word "ability" with "courage" and I agree with you. We all have the ability, the question is whether you have the courage to "pull the trigger"

[hedgehog]

4. It took the Bay of Pigs fiasco to convince JFK that just maybe he

had better judgment than all the Establishment experts. Obama is already there.

[monmouth]

10. Two surgeons, one just licensed, the other over 30 years experience:

Who ya gonna call??? Joe of course...

[jpgray]

11. By that rationale, anyone with more experience than Biden is a better candidate

Do you agree with that? Of course not. Experience is one factor, but it isn't the only factor.

[Donnachaidh]

12. that depends entirely on the work history of the 30 year veteran

If the 30 year veteran crippled anyone during his *term* - then he doesn't have diddly to call himself better.

MANY incumbents in the House and Senate are in need of a job change. And they shouldn't be considered for an upward change, just because they warmed a seat for a couple of decades.

[antiimperialist]

13. Donald Rumsfeld was such a great "surgeon" with all his experience

right?

[sandnsea]

14. The one with the knowledge to fix my problem

A 30 year old surgeon who never learned anything new is no use to me.

[jillan]

15. I prefer a candidate that has PROVEN experience and ability.

Biden and Dodd!