[fightinJAG]

Of course experience matters.

The question is what kind(S) of experience matters, and whether it’s an automatic qualifier or disqualifer for POTUS, regardless of what else the candidate brings to the table.

[trisham]

Nothing is "automatic". For me, a former governor is a better choice than a former legislator, but don't we all make decisions based on more than one quality in a candidate?

If I have a choice on primary day between Sarah and Bachmann, I'm choosing Sarah. One reason, which I personally believe is important, is that Sarah has experience that makes her a better fit for the presidency than Bachmann.