Much is being said about Mrs. Clinton being the first woman to be nominated
as a presidential candidate.
Should novelty be so heralded in such a choice?
For Democrats, novelty has been on for decades. Competence has been downplayed.
Barack Obama has been celebrated as the first African-American president.
History has yet to adjudicate.
Bill Clinton was the first "bubba" president. Highly regarded
for the ability, if needed, to cry out of one eye.
Jimmy Carter was the first peanut farmer to become president. In his own
words he had been a "nucular" technician.
Hillary Clinton provides two novelties to the nomination. She is a woman
and a crook.
Should novelty trump competence?