When asked tonight on 60 Minutes if Sarah Palin was really ready to be President — not Vice President — but President — McCain said, “Absolutely.” Then he added for emphasis, “Absolutely, absolutely.”
So, what is she, triply ready, there, Mac? Palin’s not even half ready. McCain knows that. The American people know that. Palin probably knows it.
If you want to look at it historically — just consider this: Of the 43 presidents we’ve had, 25 were lawyers or had studied law to a significant degree. Twenty-six presidents served in Congress (the House of Representatives or the Senate) prior to running the country as president.
Yes, thirteen presidents were governors first. But eight of those governors were lawyers first.
So, which prerequisites are most fundamental and historical in preparing an individual for the presidency?
A law background and service in one of the two houses of Congress.
Remind you of anyone?
And yes, we’ve had five presidents who were governors but not lawyers — Bush being the most recent and dismal example of that level of “executive experience.”
Reagan was another — an actor. Maybe Arnold will be next?
Carter was an anomaly. Teddy Roosevelt had military training, and Harrison had served in Congress.
Clearly, the path to presidency is about more than being a governor.
It’s one thing for McCain to select Palin as his VP — that’s pushing it, though, given his age and health and apparent vitality. But to suggest that she’s ready RIGHT NOW to be president? That’s just abso-f’n-lutely nuts.