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Return to Article: Discounting Experience

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  Veteran politician? Isn't that like saying experienced thief. The only job on the planet where lack of experience is considered an attribute.

  Rick Posted March 22, 2007 4:39 AM
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  I am amazed at how often I admire and agree with Charlie Cook. So much so that on more than one occasion I have written on my blog commenting on his opinions, and asking people to read them. You can read my piece on his last column here: http://www.imran.com/media/blog/2007/03/experience-of-counting-on-discounting.html

  Imran Anwar Posted March 21, 2007 1:20 PM
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  "Hatchet job?" Charlie Cook is merely asking the questions you can expect to hear as Giuliani goes down, down, down over the next 10 months.

  As for why you don't see those questions about Obama, it's the same reason he has appeal--he truly is a pretty blank slate, and that's the key to his popularity: people can project what they want to see on him, probably more than any candidate on either side. Once he has to explain what he himself really thinks the bloom may be off the rose.

  GovExec.com reader Posted March 21, 2007 9:18 AM
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  How can we be surprised or appalled at the limited experience being brought forward by the "front runners"? The current administration has spent six years lowering the bar. It brings me no pleasure to write this - this is merely observation. We are not building on experience or accomplishment - in 2008, voters simply seem anxious to start from scratch.

  Joseph Posted March 20, 2007 9:43 PM
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  While I think the Mr. Cook's continuing coverage of the race makes up for the early predictions which are notoriously unreliable, I must say that the amount of time, space, and verbiage against the former mayor did seem to be rather noticeable. Granted a past/known target should not be the center for the reactionary force, but the communication issue is an ongoing national debate. Perhaps Obama benefited from a lack of material and/or track record here.

  While I liked that Giuliani seems more centralist candidate than anyone else in the field, I do worry about the arrogance that Maryellen remarked on. No one wants a leader blowing in the wind, but vision and clarity requires that one be able to recognize when they're throwing good money (and lives) after bad. I will have to weigh those qualities in the months to come for I'm not fully on board with either party's platform as they stand.

  I do hope you are reading the signals correctly for I've yet to see anyone whom I would like to see elected come forth yet. Once more it appears that my choice will come down to the lesser of multiple evils. And, I'm aware of just how much that fuels the mud slinging.

  Oh well, let the games begin. Keep the information flowing.

  Tip off

  GovExec.com reader Posted March 20, 2007 11:45 AM
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  Thanks for pointing out Giuliani's lack of foresight regarding the WTC risks. I voted for him twice for mayor. On the whole he did a good job, but he has tremendous arrogance, even more than Bush, about being right all the time.

  Maryellen Posted March 20, 2007 10:32 AM
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  Nice hatchet job on Mr. Giuliani. No early bias from Charlie Cook, is there? Certainly looking forward to more objective analysis from Charlie.

  D. Rollins Posted March 20, 2007 9:12 AM
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  Charlie Cook seems really troubled that Hillary appears to be faltering and Rudy appears to be gaining--both at odds with his earlier predictions. He should relax.

  Jim Morrison Posted March 20, 2007 1:21 AM