I have been wondering how I should evaluate the credentials of the top three Democratic contenders for the nomination in 2008. Here are two options:
1) Taken together, Senators Clinton, Edwards, and Obama have 0 years worth of experience as chief executives of any substantial political entity.
2) Taken together, Senators Clinton, Edwards, and Obama have 15 years worth of experience in the Senate.
I think this race should be more wide open than it appears to be. In particular, on #1, Governor (or Representative or Ambassador or Secretary) Richardson should be doing much better. On #2, Senator Biden, who has served over 24 years, should be doing much better.
So why doesn't experience--where they should have it or where they happen to have it--count for more in the race so far?