I wasn't a mayor for a short period of time. I wasn't governor for a short period of time.

John McCain articulates in a Republican debate many of his qualifications to be president that distinguished him from his opponents in the primaries, and funny, as it turns out, distinguishes him from his vice presidential pick, who based on his criteria is not qualified to be president.

We may ask why John McCain failed to choose as his running mate someone who did not meet his articulated criteria for readiness to serve as president:

1. A strong and long relationship on national security;

2. Involvement in every national crisis that this nation has faced since Beirut;

3. Understanding of the issues;

4. Understanding and appreciation of the enormity of the challenge we face from radical Islamic extremism;

5. Preparation;

6. No need for on-the-job training;

7. Only being a mayor and a governor for a short period of time.