NYTimes: “Why Experience Matters”

Aaron Keyak — September 16, 2008 – 7:08 pm | Election 2008 Comments (0) Add a comment

Today, David Brooks wrote a New York Times op-ed titled, "Why Experience Matters," that responds to a very important question, "Is Sarah Palin qualified to be vice president?"

Brooks begins sets up his piece with the following introduction:

Philosophical debates arise at the oddest times, and in the heat of this election season, one is now rising in Republican ranks. The narrow question is this: Is Sarah Palin qualified to be vice president? Most conservatives say yes, on the grounds that something that feels so good could not possibly be wrong. But a few commentators, like George Will, Charles Krauthammer, David Frum and Ross Douthat demur, suggesting in different ways that she is unready.

The issue starts with an evaluation of Palin, but does not end there. This argument also is over what qualities the country needs in a leader and what are the ultimate sources of wisdom.

He continues:

Sarah Palin has many virtues. If you wanted someone to destroy a corrupt establishment, she’d be your woman. But the constructive act of governance is another matter. She has not been engaged in national issues, does not have a repertoire of historic patterns and, like President Bush, she seems to compensate for her lack of experience with brashness and excessive decisiveness.

I would have been a more questioning of Palin's ability to "destroy a corrupt establishment," but the sentiment is still the same.

Brook's op-ed can be read in full by clicking here.

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