Keller @ Large: Why Driving A Car Matters
BOSTON (CBS) - Like her or not, there aren't too many people around who are better-qualified than Hillary Clinton – on paper at least – to be president of the United States.
Big-time lawyer, First Lady of a state and the nation, former Senator, former Secretary of State – that's a formidable resume.
Listen to Jon's commentary:
But there's something missing from Sec. Clinton's bio that's a little troubling.
By her own account in a speech to the National Auto Dealers Association Convention Monday, she hasn't driven a car since 1996 – 18 years ago.
It's not because she's unable to drive, or too lazy to bother. Very important people are routinely driven everywhere they go, for security and other reasons.
But in the case of political leaders, I think that robs them of experience that is directly relevant to proper governing.
When you drive your own car, it sharpens your ability to plan ahead, to figure out the shortest distance to your destination, or to prioritize a safer route over a quicker one.
It enhances your budgeting skills; how much gas do I need to get where I want to go, will I need to stop and re-fuel, and can I afford the gas I need?
And driving, at least around here, is an excellent exercise in self-control and managing human relationships.
You must factor in the ability and maturity – or lack of it – of other drivers on the road, share it with them even if you don't want to, and control your impulses to speed, go too slow, or rage at others.
If you want to drive the USA-mobile, I'd like to know that you've had recent experience driving a real car.
So Secretary Clinton, give the chauffeur some time off.
Then we can talk about handing over the keys to the country.
You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.
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