Precisely. And when people start talking about how tough Obama had it, I just point out that one of the things that makes great Presidents is overcoming tough times and opposition. For example, FDR had an utterly inimical Congress and a hostile Supreme Court, yet he worked his will.
There is no relevant experience for being President. It's a Rohrschach blot. Probably the most "experienced" was Calvin Coolidge. He had legislative and executive experience at the local, State, and Federal level. How often do you hear his name in the Top 10 Presidents list?
This thread needs more sheriff jw pepper.
I agree with everything you've said. The problem is that I can't think of any experience relevant to those, admittedly essential, skills. Lincoln had practically zero experience at running, or even being part of, an organization. As I've pointed out, Coolidge had tons.I disagree.
In terms of direct experience (ie. how many nations have you been leader of?) there are no parallel roles that would be 'equal'. However, having an understanding of the dynamics that are important are entirely relevant.
No, it is not reasonable that a President would be a master economist, social engineer, military tactician, etc.. An individual will rely on the advisors and party members that they surround themselves with. But what this does require is that the resident of the Oval Office is the one that has to balance all of the needs, requirements, etc and make the final decision(s) on the go-forward options that are forwarded
I believe that it is fair to say that Obama and his predecessors are ultimately the manager of a massive collective
You are offering nothing but lame excuses
Obama, as any President, Prime Minister or Leader knows what they are getting into before hand.... They want the position, not the other way around.
As far as experience is concerned, whether you like it or not, it does count.
As usual, we fight so much for people who are in basic agreement that I think we must be related.I think that we are basically on the same page here (probably also fair to say that only drooling baboons would challenge the combined sagacity of the inputs LOL)
The only comment that comes to mind regarding historical figures is that the world has changed so dramatically in the last few decades... Aggressive globalization, technology and fiscal realities have changed the face of politics, lifestyles and (cultural) conflicts - I'm thinking more international here.
Can you possibly imagine parachuting FDR, Coolidge or Lincoln into the Oval Office today?
It is not an excuse, it is a question regarding your "experience" point. What counts as "practical experience" for dealing with those things?
Wanted: Chief Executive. Must have 12+ years experience as chief executive of a superpower, a positive attitude, and great people skills. Conversational Spanish a plus. $400,000/yr, housing, and company car.
Socialist. Can you imagine if Obama actually tried single payer? There would still be people without insurance, and he would have blown his political capital. There wouldn't have been enough left to even extend insurance benefits to students using their parents plans...
Absolutely. The USA (both parties) are insane on the subject of health care.
But Obamacare is turning out to be the worst possible option.
How do you figure?
This system is essentially the same as what they had before, except it will ensure that more people actually have insurance, so it is hard to imagine it working out worse than the status quo.
Up until this point, it has insured LESS people are covered......as of January 1, 4.7 million Americans had their insurance cancelled.
Two million had signed on to Obamacare.
It's official: Obamacare debuts with more canceled plans than enrollments | The Daily Caller
The supporters of Obamacare say many of those were automatically signed up to new plans.....
What they don't tell you is the new plans can cost two or three times the old plan........and will not be opened, as the people can not afford them.
Losing health insurance for 2014 - Jan. 9, 2014
In many cases America failed Obama. Instead of getting behind a world of change
the right did nothing more than send up verbal flack that in many cases didn't even
make sense. For years they have spewed little more than political rhetoric
the Republicans with their disruptive antics have made America weaker and a
laughing stock on the world stage.
...People need time to work through the transition, see what funding they might qualify for. Making everyone obtain proper insurance is obviously going to have upfront costs, but the real test is how total costs work out over time.
People need time to work through the transition, see what funding they might qualify for.
If recent incumbents are anything to go by, it helps to be a Kenyan Muslim.Is nationality or religion important?
The enrollment period ends on March 31, 2014. Btw, most of the people who have signed up for an exchange under Obamacare already had insurance coverage. The majority of the uninsured haven't signed up. Obamacare was designed to help the uninsured.
If you have a job... you're paying.
I love how everyone thought they were getting subsidies or free health care. It is hilarious.
The administration admitted that even after full implementation, 5-8% of the people would not be covered for health care. 33 systems available in the OECD to copy, all of which provide universal coverage and comparable outcomes at about 50% of the per capita cost. Obamacare failed two of those criteria, and the third is still up in the air.Like I said, it takes time. Judging this based on partial info about progress a few months in really doesn't tell you much.
The administration admitted that even after full implementation, 5-8% of the people would not be covered for health care. 33 systems available in the OECD to copy, all of which provide universal coverage and comparable outcomes at about 50% of the per capita cost. Obamacare failed two of those criteria, and the third is still up in the air.
Umm. . . because even the systems strongest proponents admit it won't come anywhere near universal coverage? And because there are no cost controls?This is a really ridiculous assessment to make at this point. How on earth can you assess costs and outcomes before the system is even up and running?