RR, all your points are well taken. From all I've been reading, the Republican party is in deep turmoil, as were the Dems four years ago, only this seems worse to me. Time to re-evaluate and make changes. And, change is NOT a bad thing.
We learn in school the 3 qualifications to become President, and that seems to stick with our memory. Yet, I guess when we think in terms of the "President" we tend to think with such a huge job, surely there must be some mandatory experience qualifications.
And Olivant mentions the "process" as experience in itself. I imagine, for the candidates it is quite the learning experience.

Seriously, I can see how Obama, being the newcomer, has grown thru the process, can't you? Don't know if it's demeanor or a comfort level or what, but he is looking/seeming very Presidential.
TIS