George W Bush was governor of Texas for five years, his only political experience before becoming President?

Question

While a list of Bush's supposed "qualifications" would be hilarious, especially his DUI and failed businesses, I find it interested that he was Governor of Texas for only 5 years before becoming President of the United States.

Obama already has more political experience than that if you count his time in the Illinois Senate and the United States Senate.

Am I missing something here?

Answer 1

Governors are picked far more often than reps or senators because their experience is executive ( the type of position a president is ) as opposed to a legislative position of a congressmen.

Governors have alot more responsibility and its much more comprehensive and applicable to the job.

and it was 6 after becoming president. plus 1 year as his fathers media liason if you count that.

Answer 2

Yes you are missing something

As governor of one of the largest states in the union George Bush actually had to manage something....

You see.. that is what they do in the Executive branch. Manage...

Answer 3

Yes, Obama only showed up for work 143 days in the Senate!

Answer 4

So Obama is just as qualified as G-Dub, wow that's a ringing endorsement!

Answer 5

I think he had a job working for his father in the last year of his administration too, but the bulk of his resume was his 5 years as Texas' Governor.

Governor of a state, is usually considered the best training for a presidential candidate, much more so than state or US Senator, anyway.

The only reason I give Obama any chance in this election is the fact that the Republicans failed to nominate a Governor this time.

Answer 6

Bush ran one of the largest states in the country. A state with an economy larger than the gross national product of hundreds of countries. He also has practical business experience.

Besides, Bush isn't running. Why the comparisons to Bush...face it...Obama is weak and he can't win....end of story ....maybe next time.

Answer 7

Yes, Bush previously ran and lost for councilman.

What a shame none of us, including him, learned from that.

The office of governor varies from state to state, in Texas, a governor doesn't have much power.

Answer 8

It is even worse than that. The Texas legislature met only twice a year during Bush's tenure.  This is why he is used to being on vacation.  He was the only President to leave his country to go to the Olympics.

Answer 9

No, you're not missing anything. And when Bush was Governor he did the same thing he's done for the last 8 years... he was on vacation.

Answer 10

You apparently have a very overinflated view of what senators do. They sit on committees. That's pretty much it. And remember Obama only did that for a few months before running for office, so he pretty much stopped that at that point.

A governor, on the other hand, is the equivalent of the president of a small nation. They run all the same aspects of government that THE President does... just on a smaller scale. Consequently, the amount of presidential experience they get as governor far exceeds that of a senator any day of the week. That's why there have been so many governors as Presidents over the years. The experience they gain is invaluable.

Answer 11

Maybe being the son of a politician counts.  Maybe that's how you get to be governor.  

Answer 12

yes; you are missing the fact that you are saying Obama has as much experience as Bush (the person you state cant do anything right)

nice argument  

Answer 13

You're missing the point that Obama's experience does NOT amount to what you claim, especially with only 143 days in the US Senate! You mention a DUI that was non-existant and I mention Obamas admitted drug use! Go back to your kool-aide and quite bothering the rest of us!

Answer 14

One word:  Daddy  

Answer 15

Yes you are

You are falling victim to the logical fallacy that since our last experienced president didnt perform well, Obama will perform well due to his lack of experience.  Not a very solid connection there champ

Answer 16

You are correct in your assumption, especially since the governor of Texas does not wield the power as those in other states.  Texas may be one of the largest states, but the legislature is the body that is empowered.  Bush did enjoy his ultimate power while governor--to execute more people including a woman, who generated world-wide attention-including from the Pope-to spare her life.  

Answer 17

I agree, I think you should vote for John McCain for president. He has the experience for the job.

If you want another inexperienced president (like GW Bush), vote for Obama.

Answer 18

No you are right on target.

What did he do for Texas? Don't live there so I don't know, but he probably screwed it up.

If it weren't for Svengali Karl Rove, GWB would be a washed up nobody.  

Answer 19

A Governor yields alot more responsibilities than a senator and a Senator for 143 days is nothing. Being in the senate & being a Senator are 2 vastly different things.