No Experience Necessary

Ornery voters give the boot to incumbent Democrats, but the pattern isn't as simple as it appears

Politicians, beware: voters are still inclined to hold experience against you. George Bush learned that lesson last year, when his failure to make a difference during his four years in the White House cost him his job. This year voters are increasingly asking whether politicians have improved American lives or prospects in some visible, tangible way; if the pols can't prove they have done so -- well, look out. And Bill Clinton, who profited at Bush's expense, had better be taking notes.

The President was not on any ballot last Tuesday, of course. But two Democrats he campaigned hard for, New...

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