Why political dilettantes have a path to power

Having lots of political experience is a good thing for a person who wants to be prime minister, right? Yet, counterintuitively, sometimes having lots of experience, or having an extensive resumé or having oodles of qualifications can be a detriment for a politician.
One of the ancient Roman Republic’s most successful politicians was general Gaius Marius, who styled himself as a novo homo, 'new man,' writes Gerry Nicholls.
OAKVILLE, ONT.—Globe and Mail columnist Andrew Coyne recently had blunt advice for federal Conservatives as they ponder choosing a new leader. He wrote: “Clown time is over. For much of the past decade, voters across the democratic world have indulged in the fantasy that they could ele...

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