I have not seen any big names like we used to. I remember when I was younger we had actual career politicians running for President. These were people you knew and people who were supporting the party (either party) for years. They had "history" with the party.
In the past 25+ years we seen to have a bunch of newbees running for president. POTUS is not an entry level job, nor is being able to make deals with your and the other political party.
Carter (Ford does not really count)
Reagan
Bush I
Clinton
Bush II
Obama
All these guys were pretty much no bodies suddenly thrust into the top nomination position (with the possible exception of Bush I). It is like the nomination is a popularity contest like American Idol. And I say this having voted for the Republicans on this list up until Obama.
Even though he did not turn out that swell, I liked Nixon. He was a powerful supporter of the GOP for 20+ years. He was a name people knew about way before the nomination. He had history that went beyond last weeks poll.
I voted for Obama (actually I voted against McCain), but even I am still shocked at how fast Obama rose from Senatorial obscurity to being the top nominee.
It really does seem to me to be a popularity contest. Let's just cut to the basics and have a swimsuit and talent competition as part of the nomination process.
Looking over that list, none of them has been especially great as President.
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abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.
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