Since 2007, give or take, Republicans have manufactured all sorts of new standards for the presidency, chiefly as a way to hector and out-flank Barack Obama, making him appear inexperienced, stupid or arrogant (“uppity” also works). Do the list: Obama’s not allowed to use teleprompters, he suddenly has to march in French protest rallies, he can’t play golf, his speeches to joint sessions of Congress can be interrupted by heckling, he can’t drink beer, he can’t sign executive orders, he can’t fly overseas because it costs too much, he can’t take vacations, and the list goes on and on.
One of the earliest gripes about Obama, a gripe that endured throughout the 2008 election and then well into his presidency, is that he didn’t have any experience running a business, or any experience in the private sector. Right off the bat, that second criticism was an easily debunked myth. They even managed to extend the assault to the president’s first-term cabinet. Obama worked in the private sector for a law firm. Nevertheless, critics charged that Obama lacked the experience managing a business, creating jobs and dealing with a staff, and therefore he had no business being president.
If this is the standard now, then quite a few of the Republicans lining up for 2016 should be summarily disqualified by anyone who abides the “business experience” rule. Among the top-tier GOP hopefuls the following can be immediately knocked off the list.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)
No business experience.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
Was a practicing eye doctor, no experience running a business.
Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ)
Worked as a lawyer in public and private sector, no experience running a business. Executive experience as governor.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Worked as a lawyer… CONTINUE READING