From Tech to the Top

I recently came across this post on CNN about whether tech personalities can break into politics. It is a well-written article that compares Whitman to other political novices who made it into their state’s top office. Jesse Ventura, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Ronald Reagan each made the leap. Meg Whitman, with her tech cred, shouldn’t have to jump much further than these guys, right?

It begs the question: If being CEO of eBay makes you qualified to run the state, does that mean Arnold should take over Google? Or Facebook? (Hey, even a 24-year-old can run it!) I think it is a disservice to those of us who care about public offices, who might have a degree or two related to the field, who still believe as the Founding Fathers did that one should not be able to purchase high office.

The fact is, Whitman, without her billions, is not a serious candidate. Schwarzenegger made movies and had charisma, so millions knew and admired him. His net worth helped but was not necessary for him to become governor. Whitman is a different story. People know eBay; they do not know Whitman. She is a capable and smart leader, but as Arnold found out the hard way, the political stage is unlike any other. If Whitman thought her Board at eBay was tough, wait till she wrestles with the Capitol. It is infinitely more complex, more conniving, and there’s no way around it.

For these reasons I do not think a Whitman administration is good for the state. We need a political leader, not a private one.