Although I respect your view, I am opposed to the notion that one needs some sort of government experience to be elected President. I am of the mind that the intention of the Founders was for high achieving folks from the private sector to enter governemtn positions, then go back to their private lives. You might, however, argue they should have included term limits in the Constitution, and you would be right.
I think the Primaries are an excellent venue for vetting potential candidates (hey I used two "v" words in a sentence). That debate gives us a great deal of insight into the candidate.
Most excellent points counselor. I would love Congress to return to the days of citizen legislators, that return to their lives after a set term limit and live with the same laws they made for the rest of us. No lifetime perks, healthcare, protection or priviledge, other than that of having served, and the honor that goes along withit. That was indeed the intention of the founders.
Which bring me to your point of the primaries. I think we as a nation need reform in this process as well. Consider Leiberman / Dean. Had the primaries started in the heartland, I think Lieberman would've had a fighting chance to carry the Dems to victory. Did I want that? No. But the debate in this country would've been far different I think.. and far more healthy and pro-American.