The Experience Issue (Obama and Palin)?

Question

I'm still undecided about my vote, although I'll admit that I'm leaning towards McCain. My question is about the wisdom of the Obama campaign tearing into to Palin's lack of experience.

Obama has some, but not a lot of political experience, all as a legislator. Palin has some, but not a lot experience as a legislator, an administrator and a chief executive. Can Obama really attack her lack of experience? Doesn't that leave him vulnerable to the a counter-attack on the same issue? And even if it is a valid criticism against her, isn't an inexperienced VP better than an inexperienced President?

Anyway, I'm most interested hearing what Obama supporters think about this issue, either agreeing or explaining why he does have experience and she does not. Of course, I welcome all positions and sides of the debate, but let's keep this civil and the answers on point, no random attacks against either side. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

one reason why i will never vote for obama, he sat in an anti american church for 20 yrs. palin didn't do such thing.

Mccain/Palin 2008

Answer 2

Ugh. Experience isn't the issue. Obama is someone who moves others by his eloquence and intelligence. Even republicans can't say they are that moved by Palin because nobody even knows who she is.

Did McCain really think that women would vote for Palin just because she's a woman? There were so many better choices for vp, its really bizarre and makes you wonder if McCain might be a little senile after all.

Answer 3

Here is the difference how I see it

Obama was voted for the job in caucuses and primaries

he is the leader the Dems. wanted and chose

Palin was picked specifically, by McCain

I think it makes it harder for McCain to argue the experience issue after he hand picked inexperience

It won't make it easy, but it does make it easier for the Dems. to challenge Palin's experience

Answer 4

I find it odd to be concerned about experience of a VP more than your own pres candidate.

I know you want more from Obama supporters, but thought I would pop in.  I was on the fence until very recently.  Im quite excited about Palin.

Answer 5

No I don't think that the Obama campaign will tear into Palin's lack of experience.  But I have to say that leading non-profits on Chicago's south side and being a community organizer there, is a lot different from running a small town in Alaska.  Both have had pretty fast rises to the top.  I fell more comfortable with Obama's experience.  And I don't really feel that experience is all that it's cracked up to be, either as a legislator or an executive.  Sometimes this country needs fresh leadership.

Answer 6

For me, it's quite simple: The Obama/Biden ticket has more experience than the McCain/Palin ticket. Add up the experience on each.

Also, we know that Obama wants to work closely with his very experienced VP.  McCain may do the same, but he will also be the oldest president in history if elected and there's a decent chance that Palin will have to step up at some point if they're elected, and she may or may not know what she's doing.

However, in the much much more UNlikely event that Obama is elected and something happens to HIM, we can be confident that the seasoned Biden could handle the job.