Actually, it makes sense. The Democrats only recent Presidents were both relative unknowns, new to the national scene. Since the Democrats can't win on their beliefs or records, they need to run relatively fresh faces who can pretend to be moderates. A governor would be preferable, but most of their promising ones keep on losing reelections. Rendell has been visible since the early 90's and is just unappealing, even if he does win. Richardson has also been around too long with his years in the Clinton cabinet and in Congress. Bredesen in Tennessee would probably be their only Governor with a chance. But because he does seem to be a moderate, it's doubtful that the true believers would tolerate him. So this means they need to run one of their few new Senators.

Besides, Obama may run just to position himself as VP candidate, which would instantly make him credible for a future Presidential run. A black man would balance a Hilary ticket nicely for the supposed party of the minorities. They can't keep on running white guys forever if they want to keep their minority constituencies happy.

Jim writes about Barack Obama's qualifications for office;

"The guy was a lawyer for a couple of years, a law professor for a couple of years, then spent eight years in the Illinois State Senate before being elected to the US Senate in 2004."

Now, I'm having a hard time reading this without falling out of my chair, since the current guy we have has a bio something like this...

"National guard service, removed from flight status, received waver from remaining obligation. Holds MBA from Harvard. Had several unsuccessful oil businesses, bailed out by foreign investors. Qualifications include managing a baseball team. Served as governor of Texas, elected twice."

I dunno....

Len ~ Good points. It actually goes back even further, to Jack Kennedy, who even ran to the right of Nixon on national defense and got away with it. So, all of the Democrat's non-incumbent candidates since FDR in 1932 have been basically unknown quantities.

John ~ Do you fall out of your chair often? Perhaps a helmet would cut down on the head injuries you have obviously suffered. Being a state governor is exactly the kind of management experience which qualifies one for the Presidency - especially if you do a good enough job to be reelected easily. Bush's tenure as GM of the Rangers was hailed as one of the most successful in baseball. These are the kinds of experience Obama completely lacks.

There is a good reason that, throughout our history, America most often elects Governors and Generals, and only very rarely those who have never held either of those jobs or been Vice-President. Only twice has a sitting Senator been elected President.

Democratic support for Osama Obama is only pandering for votes for themselves. Let him run and they'll abandon him at the altar. Divorced before marriage. Osama will only embarass himself and whatever party he runs on'in'out' of. Too funny.

Yeah, it's sad that Obama lacks baseball management experience. Hmmmm... Guess we're sunk then.

John