Fred's title, "U.S. Senator from the State of Tennessee" was not a courtesy title from a television show or a movie script - it is was courtesy of 12 years in the United States Senate (and the experience that went with it).
Fred does have his problems but then, so do most of the rest of the Republican Pack of Presidential Candidates. Fred's shortcomings are, I think, more of perception on the part of the voting public - us - we who have and will vote, than a factor of his lack of experience.
Just my opinion, mind and certainly one that Fred (or more specifically, his campaign staff) would do well to pay attention to (because I don't think I'm alone in my uncertainty regarding Fred's Drive and Determination).
8 years, not 12, but otherwise spot-on.