Let's drop the word "experience"

[central scrutinizer]

That is the Republican frame. When you use that word, even against Palin, you are playing by their rules, using their language. NOBODY who is running has experience being President.

National legislative experience, state administrative experience maybe, but not Presidential experience.

What is important is intelligence, an ability to think on one's feet, an ability to assimilate facts and make a cogent analysis and synthesis of that information, an ability to communicate clearly, and a track record, not just words, on issues of importance to the American people, and above all judgment. On all of these, Obama is a clear choice.

Keep talking about Obama's record versus McW's. Talk about their views on health care, the war in Iraq, jobs, etc., and their voting records in the Senate. Keep the families out of it. Obama is running against McW, not Palin, and she should not be mentioned except as an example of McW's hasty judgment and impetuosity.

[Sparkly]

1. How about "preparation?"

I suggested this elsewhere.

[TheDonkey]

2. i am using qualified now because you do have to have SOME understanding and ability

and track record of notable civic duty before running, which she does NOT.

[Sparkly]

3. Right. Education counts, too.

Harvard Law vs. a BS in journalism...

[spartan61]

13. I thought I read on DU that Palin said she didn't have a

college degree. She only took some classes. Guess I better do some research on this.

[d_b]

4. qualified ftw

[Mrs. Overall]

5. Sorry, but the GOP doesn't own the word "experience" and I'll use it if I want

in talking about Palin.

If I apply for a job, the application is going to have the word "experience" written all over it.

Why use euphemisms?

[KharmaTrain]

7. Amen!!!

They started this shit, we're here to finish it.

[liberal N proud]

6. Lets talk resumes

Hers vs his.
Well she was a point guard and Governor for 20 months. Remember that one. the media will tell you 3 years but she became Governor in December of 2006 (20 months).

[Ichingcarpenter]

8. She was Governor for less time than John McCain's 2008s Presidential Run

[Bucky]

9. If the Republicans nominated a slick corporate lawyer with only 2 years elective experience....

Oh wait, they already did that... in 1860 and then reelected him 1864. Experience is secondary to a demonstrated track record of good judgment and a career dedicated to public service. There are four candidates on the November ticket who can reasonably claim that they have that experience. But only two of them are right on the issues and can show they have the solid judgment to handle today's problems.

[goodgd_yall]

10. I think because the difference in experience

is too subtle a difference for the dimwits among the Republicans and electorate, it IS best to drop "experience" as an argument. "Judgment" is a good replacement as are all the skills one learns as a congressperson---negotiation, compromise, generally, working with others to get things done. McCain, though he may have the latter skills, lacks good judgment; it can be argued that Palin hasn't honed any of those skills.

[Mrs. Overall]

11. Are you saying that there is only a subtle difference between Obama and Palin's experience?

Just consider the difference in their education and go from there.

[goodgd_yall]

14. To the average American

most of who have, at the most, a B.A. or B.S. degree, the education difference will be lost on. They don't understand what it takes to go to Law School or achieve a graduate degree or higher. The political experience will definitely be lost on them---South Side Chicago community organizer vs PTA, years in a state senate vs city council/mayor, years in U.S. senate vs governorship.

[wmbrew0206]

15. ^^^^^^^^Totally Agree

[Mojambo]

12. I prefer "qualifications."