How do you respond when someone is hedging over Obama's supposedly lack of experience?

[graywarrior]

I need some talking points while canvassing and phone banking.

[JackBeck]

1. Remind them that Sara Palin has even less exerience. n/t

[graywarrior]

3. They think being a governor is experience

I need something that says without a doubt he has the experience whaich we all know he has.

[LiberalFighter]

9. Tell them that being Governor of Alaska is like being Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Probably not even that.

[FlaDem83]

69. Are you from Ft. Wayne??

I am....born and raised. Went to Canterbury High School. I have to say, I think Paul Helmke (former mayor) is more qualified than Palin!!

[LiberalFighter]

72. By far Helmke would be better. I just live here until I can get back to Wisconsin.

[wisteria]

18. Like being a governor in Sibera. n/t

[JackBeck]

24. Palin vs. Obama: Line by Line

I received a shorter version at work last week. This more detailed:

http://www.buckeyestateblog.com/palin_vs_obama_line_by_line_resume_comparison

[Captain Hilts]

28. Obama won't win any experience debates. That line doesn't take us anywhere we want to go.

Obama's strength is that he does not act rashly - a la Bush/Cheney/McCain. His deliberate nature is his strength.

It takes little effort to show that McCain's "experience" just isn't relevant to being prez. And why WHY put someone whose state has a great stake in maintaining high oil prices a heartbeat away?

[graywarrior]

34. That's exactly how I feel, especially after seeing him in person on Friday

It's so obvious...and I like that sentence, "his deliberate nature is his strength".

[Captain Hilts]

35. He's not going to invade a country because his bowels are acting up that day.

Can't say that about Capt. Queeg.

[graywarrior]

47. OMG, that's beautiful.

[Sugarcoated]

36. Yes, turn it around to being about McLiar's judgement

But you could say, when you hear Obama talk about the issues he knows his stuff, Palin, in her one interview obviously doesn't, even basic stuff. And Obama's a natural. He's a leader, he has gravitas. He worked his way up through the Chicago political machine, that takes smarts and skill.

1. First AA to be President of the Harvard Law Review

2. Civil Rights Attorney and taught Constitutional Law from 1992-2007

3. Eight years in the Illinois legislature

4. Almost four years in the Senate.

5. Has run an amazing and disciplined campaign using the internet to raise, for the first time in modern history, more money than the corporate funded Republican candidate, and a flawless convention.

6. Has inspired those people to do so.

7. Many well known Republican's who not only support him, but are greatly inspired by him.

[Captain Hilts]

49. I wouldn't mention the phrase "Chicago polittical machine" in any debate!!

Don't go there!

[ejpoeta]

53. just think about his experience as a community organizer.

he had to go help people who had lost their jobs, houses.... help them get back on their feet again. sounds like the kind of experience we need right now, doesn't it? and think about what mccain had said.... oh what was it. something about how he just goes back to washington and doesn't do anything or whatever. can't remember. grr.

[Captain Hilts]

64. That's a great experience, and will enhance his presidency, no doubt,

but that doesn't relate directly enough to the presidency for most folks. McCain's a lying shitbird.

Remember, FDR won the office preaching fiscal responsibility and isolationism. It wasn't until '36 he played liberal and progressive.

[debbierlus]

67. His website has all of those talking points - and Pit Obama against McCain NOT Palin

[treestar]

77. We used this with Jimmy Carter

I love him. But to these average voters, it's probably in their heads that Jimmy Carter was a "failed president." Failin is no better off than Carter. We can say experience in Washington is better than any state experience, even being governor. Failin has zero knowledge of Washington or Congress. She won't be able to handle it.

[jeffrey_X]

82. No. He's not running against Palin. This is a losing argument.

this is exactly the reason Palin is on the ticket.

[saltpoint]

2. I quickly remind them that Lincoln had even less and did just fine.

[Captain Hilts]

4. Make them explain how McCain's "experience" is relevant to being president.

Last weekend I got my Republican uncle with this one.

[graywarrior]

5. Good one.

More?

I need to jab hard at these people.

[Captain Hilts]

29. I also told him how McCain has NO friends on Capitol Hill. He has a ...

'plays well with others' problem. We've just come through 8 years of that.

And when I'm talking to military people I explain that the three people that decided to invade Iraq - Bush/Rumsfeld/Gen. Meyers - are ALL former pilots. DON'T put another pilot in charge.

[LiberalFighter]

10. Really? Didn't have a comeback? Wow!!! He didn't respond that he is a POW?

[Captain Hilts]

27. Actually, he didn't. I was expecting it. He DID say that people who have been to war...

know it and hate it. I then asked him why, then, has McCain said we'll be in Iraq for 100 years?

[ejpoeta]

55. i wonder if mccain hates war.

he seems awful trigger happy with iran and russia. it's almost like he's stuck in hanoi to a certain extent. trying to keep fighting THAT war.

[Eric J in MN]

6. I tell them...

Graduated from Harvard Law School.

Taught law at the University of Chicago.

8 years as a State Senator.

4 years as a US Senator.

[treestar]

7. That he is very intelligent

and can pick things up quickly -

He was right about the Iraq War at the beginning, and McWar has actually followed Obama's earlier position, therefore, Obama figured it out before McWar did.

Look how McCrap is copying Obama now - going on about change - obama figured that out a year or more ago.

Have them watch some speeches if possible and they can see that O really cares about the people and is sympathetic to them whereas McCrap and the repukes are judgmental and hateful toward anyone not just like them.

[Barack_America]

Ask them what we do if McCain kicks off.

Tell them how Karl Rove blasted Obama for considering Tim Kaine as VP, when Kaine was Mayor of Richmond for years, then Lt. Gov. of Virginia for 4 years, and now Gov. of Virginia for 3 years. Rove considered Kaine to be far too inexperienced and that picking Kaine would demonstrate that Obama was far more interested in playing politics than he was in establishing an administration with sound foreign policy experience.

So what then does McCain's pick of Palin signify? Especially considering he will be the oldest sitting President, has had recurrent bouts of cancer AND has aged at an alarming rate throughout this campaign?

[Jade Fox]

8. give them this...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6871610

I've printed up this resume info and pass it around. Few people know what Obama has really done in his 47 years.

[graywarrior]

13. Fantastic!

[gratefultobelib]

15. I've done the same thing. There are some typos that I fixed first, though. I was

wondering about the Grammys and a friend suggested maybe it was for his books on tape.

[FrenchieCat]

11. Watch this, and have pen and pad handy........

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=385&topic_id=189421&mesg_id=189421

[Doremus]

12. There are any number of past presidents with the same or less experience.

Abraham Lincoln had nearly identical creds. Two terms in the Illinois congress, one term in Congress.

In my experience, most folks think Obama went straight from "community organizer" to US Senate with nothing in between.

Just fill in the blanks. Obama has quite an impressive background. Put HIMSELF through school (Columbia and Harvard Law) -- NO rich daddies to pull strings for him, NO affirmative action. He got scholarships and took out loans just like the rest of us.

He was the first AA editor of the Harvard Law Review, a constitutional lawyer and taught law at the University of Chicago.

He got where he is through HARD WORK, not handouts, not rich pals. That's what you need to say.

[wisteria]

14. Judgment is as important as experience. And, McCain and Palin has not used good judgment

in backing the failed policies of the Bush administration. McCain further put his best judgment aside by choosing Palin who is unqualified to ascend to the highest position of the land should the older McCain not be able fulfill his presidency.

Take a look at who is running the MCCain campaign- all former and current Bush people.This tells you what his presidency will be like. I think Obama will use his good judgment and chose only the best minds and patriots to help in his administration.

[navarth]

16. Bu$h had experience. Look at him. But if that's not enough..

how about 'experience' vs. judgement?

McCain agreed with Bu$h 90% of the time with his votes in the Senate. Was that a result of his 'experience'? JUDGEMENT COUNTS TOO.

McCain selected a Gun Toting SpokesBarbie to be VP. Did anybody notice how horribly unprepared she is with foriegn policy? JUDGEMENT COUNTS TOO.

.....need I think up any more examples? others can fill in with more....

[graywarrior]

17. I love you guys so much.

:loveya:

[phleshdef]

19. My end all be all response...

3 years as a community organizer
First black President of the Harvard Law Review
12 years as a Constitutional Law professor
8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people and was chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee
4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people; Sponsored 131 bills; Served on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees

And then you can always follow the argument up with the fact that Richard Nixon was one of the most experienced presidents in US history.

[ejpoeta]

59. and as for experience....

what kind of experience. the captain of the titanic had 30 years of experience. his experience told him that he could avoid any icebergs in time on a ship he had never captained before. he was wrong. his judgement was flawed. and he was overconfident. experience is only part of the equation. judgement is a bigger part. temperment is a big part. the ability to hear opposing views and compromise. having the man who caused the deregulation of the banks which led to the current housing and finacial crisis create your economic plan does not show good judgement.

[grantcart]

20. agree with them - its a reasonable point

and then point out how experienced Cheney - Rumsfield (youngest SOD ever) were and that Obama got it right.


Unfortunately experience in Washington turns people and change them. Now we need somebody who is going to take some big steps - and recognize that incremental steps are not going to help. With the climate change accelerating, and the economic systems collapsing it is time to have an energetic strong new leadership.

It is also interesting to note that the Bush administration has abandoned the Bush policy and is adopting the Obama policy - talk first and see what can happen. We are talking with Libya (who murdered more Americans than Iraq ever did) and talking with Iran.

The more we talk the lower the price of oil as tensions ease. Bush is following Obama's advice and the price of oil continues to fall. So already he is having an impact.

Finally he is somebody that is aware of his own limitations. He knows that he is likely to make a mistake and is willing to listen to others. The Republicans have driven us into this ditch because with all of their experience they are committed to not to listen to anyone else. McCain? he is proud that he is stubborn - he intends to follow a policy no matter how unpopular it is.

[progressivebydesign]

21. Re-read Obama's bio so that you can respond.

I mean seriously.. Obama has worked in the community, worked as a constitutional lawyer, visiting professor, State Senator for 8 years, and US Senator for 4, and you don't know how to respond? If you truly know his background, and you believe in it, you should have no problem talking to them about it.

McCain has lots of experience.. I mean that Keating 5 scandal was very educational!!

You could always go the Abe Lincoln route if you have to! :)

[Skidmore]

22. Remind them that * was a governor from a state with a weak governorship

and he came into office with Big Time Experience as his VP. Plus, you wanted to have a beer with the * and go hunting with Big Time. Look where it got us. Stuck with the bar tab and shot in the face.

[whistler162]

A Shakespeare post....

double double toil and trouble the button clicks and posts it twice.

[whistler162]

23. Ask them WHAT THE F@CK THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT?

3 years as a Community Organizer, if that isn't a executive position I don't know what is.

Created with the assistance of others a national organization to promote himself for election to the office of President. And, excuse me, unlike Senator Clinton or Senator McCain has done it with very few financial or personnel missteps.

THIS is executive experience at its best.

[livetohike]

25. As a state senator for Illinois for eight years Obama represented

more people and was involved in more legislation than the 1.5 years Palin had as a Governor. He has demonstrated complete knowledge of issues, in particular foreign policy than Palin who is insulated in Alaska.

[Captain Hilts]

57. Alaska is a HUGE financial drain on the other 49 states. nt

[PerfectSage]

26. Real Leadership is about ethics not experience.

[bcoylepa]

30. obama won a grueling primary

He won his party's nomination - Palin was chosen 2 weeks ago - Obama deserves to be where he is because the people voted for him based on his experience, judgement, leadership skills and vision.
His record stands for itself.

[JSK]

31. Thom Hartmann said it well

and I will undoubtedly do a terrible job of paraphrasing.

He said it's not about being "experienced," but about being "qualified."

Of course we here all believe that Obama is experienced as well, but his main qualification is that he is a LEADER.

[Bensthename]

39. .

[Ichingcarpenter]

32. You really need to go to this thread by theFrankFactor

He did an astounding job breaking down the facts


Link:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=385&topic_id=189421&mesg_id=189421

[skids]

33. Like this...

"I don't know who told you Obama isn't experienced. There are a
lot of lies about that going around.

"Obama is an achiever. He's done more with his life than most
people, and it's a shame people lie about his accomplishments.

"He knows what it takes to meet and negotiate with foreign leaders
from his work in the U.S. Senate. He knows how to negotiate
to get good laws passed from his years of experience as a
legislator. He knows how to keep our principles safe and
our government on track because he studied and taught the
constitution. And most importantly, he knows what Americans
are going through right now, because that's where his roots
are and his career got its start in neighborhoods. He wasn't
born on third base.

"It's a shame to see a good man like this called inexperienced.
What's even more of a shame is that McCain can get away with
calling Obama inexperienced, and then turn around and put
politics before country, and choose a vice president so
carelessly. He's trying to have his cake and eat it too --
some people think anyone can do the job and the less time
they have been in public office, the better.

"You obviously know better, but it's scary that some people
think that you can train on the job for the presidency.

"Obama picked Biden, a good pick whether or not he
ever becomes president. If, and I pray not, anything
happens to Obama I am POSITIVE he will be ready."

...and if you think the person is one of those rare
PUMA Clintonista add this little bit of speculative
fiction:

"...plus, from what he's said, Biden likes working with
Hillary. I don't even know whether he'd run for President
or whether he'd stay on as VP for Hillary."




...and here's the technicals of why to respond like this:


The first bit calls in to question their assumption, but
without blaming them. So now you are free to attack the
lie, rather than the person you are trying to convince.

Immediately after establishing you value honesty, you
assert positive things about Obama.

Without saying any long boring words like listing
acts Obama has passed, you give four examples of
the types of experiences he's had and where he got them.
You end on a populist note.

You lay claim to the victim mantle first before talking
about Palin. You politely soft-touch the tap at
her experience.

You compliment the person and say you admire their
discretion.

You hype Biden. If PUMA you imply Biden's a good sign
for Clinton being president someday.

[Trajan]

37. Pragmatic vision means more than mere experience ...

The differences in experience between each ticket is minuscule: Biden and McCain are older than either Obama or Palin, and while Palin has limited experience as an 'executive', does that really trump the visionary power of someone like Obama ? .... 18 months as a governor does NOT erase Palin's skewed and immature view of the world ....

What is MOST important is what direction either ticket will bring to the nation .... Obama has a vision that returns the country to a MODERATE set of policies and values that matches most of the electorate, and will REVERSE the current set of policies that have had such a corrosive effect on the national polity ...

McCain and Palin talk 'reform' and 'change' only to try to obtain the cachet of reform ... They dont actually change ANYTHING ..... They are the SAME PARTY, with the SAME FAILED IDEAS, as the current idiots in power ....

The 'vision' of McCain and Palin are to continue, in fact, EXPAND, the policies that have brought the country to it's knees, and have corroded the image of the United States across the world ....

It isn't purely about experience, but about WHO can best move the nation in the direction it needs to go ..... ONLY Obama-Biden can do that .... Only THEY are for 'real' change ....

Both tickets have approximately the same experience ..... but only ONE side is going to change the country for the better ....

[freespirit5]

38. He has a life time of experience

and more !

[polichick]

40. I tell them that, ultimately, it's judgment that counts...

Lucky for us, Obama has the intelligence and insight to be wise without being old/experienced. I mention how he saw through the war scam from the beginning, as did I, and what a joy it was to find that out. I also mention how the admin. is now following his lead on speaking to Iran, going into Pakistan and pulling out of Iraq. I talk about his vision of working with the world community to build coalitions to handle our biggest problems, like terrorism and global warming. (Just for a start.) :)

[cags]

41. That Frank Factor video on youtube I think sums it pretty good

[Diamonique]

42. It doesn't really take *experience* to make a good president.

It takes knowledge and good judgememt, and Obama has lots of both.

[Bensthename]

43. Check out these 2 links and you will have lots of ammo on his experience

http://www.obamapedia.org/page/Does+Barack+Obama+have+enough+experience+to+be+president%3F?t=anon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama

[graywarrior]

46. Those are fantastic!

Thank you very much.

[TheDoorbellRang]

44. First off, make them think about what the question really is

It's a popular talking point "He doesn't have the experience" -- but what experience do they mean? Obviously, none of the candidates have the experience of having been a president. His campaign has demonstrated that he has both extraordinary executive skills and political skills, which will stand him in good stead in bringing about change in D.C. Gubernatorial experience does not necessarily make a good president: Jimmy Carter was a saint of a man with good ideas but no political wiliness -- D.C. chewed him up and spit him out. W is a shell of a man with lots of political wiliness, and now 80% of Americans see him for the sham that he is. Obama is a good man who also has political wiliness, as we've seen this past year and by reviewing his record: time after time he's managed to bring opposing groups together to achieve something for the common good, from Harvard Law Review president to transparency laws in Illinois to bills in the senate to the democrats at the convention. He's more than demonstrated the experience necessary to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.

[OnionPatch]

45. I tell them that the Bush administration was full of experience.

But regardless of that, their policies were wrongheaded and look where their policies have taken us. <fill in the blanks....you should have a plethera of failures to choose from---deregulation-globalization-the war in Iraq etc.> I also point out that Obama has experience but he also has vision, leadership and common sense. John McCain backed Bush all the way and wants to continue on the same path. It doesn't seem like his experience is helping his judgment much.

I also tell people that if experience is important, the American voters should use their *own* experience to make their voting decisions. My own experience living through the Clinton years in the ninties and comparing that to the last eight years tells me that Democratic policies help middle-class people much, much more than those of the GOP and that we were much more respected around the world under Democrats, too.

[sunnybrook]

48. Neither candidate has experience at being President

Since we do not have an incumbent in the race this year

also remind them of the experience of Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld... and Bush had executive experience as Governor of Texas.... hammer the judgment over experience angle here

Ask if they think experience is really seen as crucial by McCain? Is that what he considers the most important qualification? Obviously not, i.e. Palin

Remind them of endorsements he has gotten from some of the most experienced politicians in the country, on both sides of the aisle

Contrast what Bill Clinton called his "first presidential decision," of selecting Biden. Showed excellent judgment

[27inCali]

50. About the same level of experience Abraham Lincoln had

when he became the President, guided us through the Civil War, ended slavery and rescued the soul of our nation. You know, became probably the greatest president ever.

Experience and Wisdom are not the same. Some people are wise and don't need to spend two decades in Washington to be ready to make smart decisions about our countries future.

[27inCali]

51. About the same level of experience Abraham Lincoln had

when he became the President, guided us through the Civil War, ended slavery and rescued the soul of our nation. You know, became probably the greatest president ever.

Experience and Wisdom are not the same. Some people are wise and don't need to spend two decades in Washington to be ready to make smart decisions about our countries future.

[Onlooker]

52. He doesn't lack experience

- Magna cum laude from the finest law school in the world
- 12 years teaching Constitutional law, which is the kind of law that a president can most benefit from
- 12 years representing people from the State of Illinois, both at the State and Federal lvel

The fact is Obam has an incredible amount of experience for a middle aged man. The only way you get someone with more experience, is to get someone whose very old. But, McCain has no experience that has not been paid for by the U.S. taxpayer. He has been either a soldier or a politician. He has not experience outside of government.

[JerseygirlCT]

70. This would be what I'd say, too

And point out that with all those years of "experience" in the senate, McCain hasn't really accomplished a great deal for the American people.

[seabeyond]

54. constitutional law, professor and 12 years in govt does NOT = inexperience

i think that is a fine background for pres

then you can further tell the person to listen to the man and see if he doesnt know what he is talking about and how intelligent he sounds, always a good thing to have in a pres.

[City Lights]

56. Judgment versus experience.

Where did we get with Bush's "executive" experience as governor? Remember how he bragged about being the "first MBA president?" Where did all Cheney's years of experience get us? Ditto for McCan't. Experience is only a portion of the equation.

[coalition_unwilling]

58. Ask them what they mean by 'experience'. I think of it, much like

beauty, as something that lies in the eye of the beholder. It's a very subjective criterion, imho, and neither a good indicator of policy or political acumen. LBJ had a ton of 'experience' when he assumed the presidency and he brought us Vietnam. Bush had very little 'experience' when he assumed the presidency and he brought us Iraq-Nam. So, it seems like a meaningless indicator to me.

[seasat]

60. I'd tell them change won't come from an insider.

John McCain has been in Washington for almost three decades, agrees with Bush, and has a campaign run by lobbyists. Obama has 3 years working with a faith based charity, 8 years as State senator, taught constitutional law, and almost 4 years as US senator. That is enough experience and knowledge to run the government without being infected by the corruption of being a Washington insider.

[BklynChick]

61. In addition to everything on his resume, I remind people that there's no comparison to Sarah Palin

for those reasons in addition to him running a 19month campaign against the Clinton machine and winning. This included putting together a stellar team, ground infrastructure, fundraising. He was vetted by the American people and won more than 18 million votes.

[Samantha]

62. Obama himself said he had 20 years of public service experience

What exactly was Palin doing during those 20 years? Personally, I don't count the mayor's job in Wasilla because an Administrator ran the small town. She hasn't been governor for two years yet, and Alaska is the 47th state in the Country in terms of size. She has very little public experience.

Whether administrative experience running a state is more relevant to being President than being a Senator is a debate, not a fact. (Had to think that up when my nephew spouted off to me that Palin had more experience than Obama).

Barack Obama taught Constitutional law. Positions on issues Palin advocates abridges our Constitutional rights.

[AuntPatsy]

63. Do you know I have never been hit with that particular question..not once...

[DeeDeeNY]

65. Here

Does Barack Obama have enough experience to be president?
Newt Gingrich, commenting on Obama's experience: "Well, Abraham Lincoln served two years in the U.S.House, and seemed to do all right." (Meet The Press 12/17)

http://www.obamapedia.org/page/Does+Barack+Obama+have+enough+experience+to+be+president%3F?t=anon

[debbierlus]

66. Turn into a JUDGEMENT question:Iraq, healthcare, economy...McCain has TERRIBLE Judgement

Simple:

Obama knew that the Iraq war was a mistake from day 1. John McCain was one of the war's biggest cheerleaders.

McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time, overall - 100% of the time this year.

Yes. McCain has experience. And, the experience shows he has TERRIBLE judgement. Look at his VP pick.

[Awsi Dooger]

68. He's going to have to remove that concern in the debates

That's the only outlet. Third-party explanation isn't going to mean squat. I've tried on the golf course, and in groups at casinos many times, more or less as a test, and it's always rejected.

It's an incredible gamble to nominate someone with resume questions in an open race.

[Frumious B]

71. I've told people this when questioned about Obama's experience. I don't know how effective it is.

Let's say you're on the Titanic. It's hit the iceberg and the ship is taking on water fast. You've got a high ranking, veteran officer telling you to just stay on the boat on the one hand and a less experienced midshipman in a lifeboat telling you to come with him on the other hand. What's your choice?

[WindRiverMan]

73. You tell them that he served as PRESIDENT of the LAW REVIEW

FOR THE TOP LAW SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRY.

and he is a strict constitutional lawyer.

[OwnedByFerrets]

74. Judgement Trumps Experience

[NewJeffCT]

75. Right on Iraq back in 2002, and ahead on a lot of other things

Called for more troops in Afghanistan in 2004 and since, only now being followed by Team Bush...

Obama said both Russia & Georgia were at fault, while McCain said it was all Russia's fault. It's now apparent that Obama was right on this one.

Has called for a timeline in Iraq for withdrawal of troops, while McCain & Bush both initially said that was a bad idea. Now, Team Bush offers a Time Horizon for withdrawal...

[Steely_Dan]

76. Easy....

One word: Biden

[DrPresident]

78. Thanks for this thread

I'm going to bookmark and refer to it when I start phone banking.

[Pipertastic]

80. Here's How You Handle Independents On That Question

Point out in the last 30 years, we have had 4 governors as president. Those were Bush, Clinton, Reagan and Carter. This should nullify the primary concern, which is usually that of foreign policy acumen when the experience question is asked.

[Bread and Circus]

79. Tell it's not about "experience", it's about what they "know". Afterall,

what is "experience" other than the accumulation of knowledge? And then ask them if they've ever seen Obama look like he is knowledgeable on a topic. Anyone would reasonably answer no, if they've been paying attention. Then contrast this with forgetful McCain and brain to nowhere Palin, both of which display serious knowledge deficits. Then hit them with the Biden factor, because that has forgotten more shit than Palin has ever learned and is far more knowledgeable than McCain as well.

KNOWLEDGE, INSIGHT, JUDGEMENT.

Those are the real attributes that make a good leader.

Experience is just one of many methods to arrive at the above.

The fact that this is all framed by "experience" is a Right Wing frame.

Change the frame.

Another way to do it is make it personal: Ask them, all things otherwise equal who would you rather have as your doctor, your kid's principal, or your boss. Again, I think a reasonable person would see that Barack is the right pick and using this more personal hypothetical might get them to tip.

I know I would definitely rather have Barack be my doctor, school principle, or boss. McCain and Palin both wreak of incompetence when you think of it in such a local and personal way.

[Bad Thoughts]

81. We give up too easily on experience

Most of the candidates speak of the number of years they have been in the Senate, on a certain committee. Although he has been in the Senate a short time, Obama's legislative record is remarkable, especially for a freshman. I think that you should point to his ability to draft legislation that far exceeds what others in his position have done. His four years have been full of experience beyond what one might expect. It reveals a man that can quickly adapt and take control of an organization.

[graywarrior]

83. These are some of the best responses I have read at DU

And I have bookmarked this because it is so god damn useful.