Should our presidential candidates be educated? My answer is yes. Does it have to be a college degree? No, not if their life experience is varied and worthy of being equal or better than a college degree. At this time, this issue is being hotly debated because of the presidential aspirations of Governor Scott Walker in Wisconsin. Walker does not hold a college degree, having dropped out of Marquette University in his last year. President Harry Truman is always mentioned as the last president without a college degree as if Walker's experiences and Truman's experiences make them equally qualified as presidential candidates. Their backgrounds and life experiences are very different.
Harry Truman graduated from public schools, worked in railroad construction contracting as a timekeeper, as a bank clerk and on his families farm for over 10 years. He also served in the Missouri National Guard, served in France in Field Artillery in World War 1, and joined the Army reserves after the war, eventually becoming a Colonel. He also ran a clothing store that failed in the recession after WWI. As an elected judge in Jackson County Court Missouri, he was known for being honest and efficient. He also was elected to the US senate in 1934, was re-elected and spearheaded the Truman Committee which made sure defense contractors provided quality goods and services and did not overcharge the government. He was elected vice president to serve with FDR in 1945, and became president 82 days later when FDR died, to be re-elected for a second term.
Scott Walker did attend college. In college he spoke of his desire to be president. He dropped out with 34 credits yet to complete in a political science major. He worked for the Red Cross, was elected to Milwaukee County Executive after a failed bid for the Wisconsin state Legislature. He served as the County Executive until he was elected Governor of Wisconsin in 2010. He is known for being very political and his policies have created a very divided state.
Truman had judicial experience, legislative experience, was a veteran of WWI and an officer in the National Guard. He was known for his honesty and integrity. He was a writer, an avid reader, and a well rounded person that had work experience with farming, business, and transportation. This is a life of an educated person. No, he did not have a college degree, but he was educated all the same.
Scott Walker has not lead a full educated life that is worthy of being president of the United States. He has limited experience, a strong desire for power, and has not shown or demonstrated intellectual curiosity. He is seen in Wisconsin as a divisive political figure. Yes, he has had executive experience, but not on a level that makes him qualified to run our nation.