https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:08:43 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2077847 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 21:50:57 +0000 meredithNYC 2077847@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with others that it shouldn't be a requirement, but I cannot see myself voting for someone without a degree. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2077780 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 21:15:33 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2077780@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do I think it should be a requirement written into the Constitution? No – absolutely not.</p> <p>But I honestly can't see myself taking a candidate without at least a college degree seriously. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2077643 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 19:37:15 +0000 MrsBananaGrabber 2077643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I posted already, but I wanted to add to it after seeing so many posts about how people without degrees can still be smart and capable.</p> <p>Yes, people without any college education can be extremely intelligent. At our office, we have a good mix of people with advanced degrees (primarily JDs as it is a law firm), people with only bachelor's degrees, people with some college experience and no degrees, and people without any college education at all. We also recently did some intelligence and aptitude testing. Some of the people with the least education scored the highest, which was not at all surprising. A lot of extremely intelligent people have little or no college experience. HOWEVER, there is also a noticeable difference between the college educated and non-college educated employees. The college educated people tend to be much more eloquent than even the most intelligent non-college employees, which is a somewhat important trait for a president. They are better writers, better presenters, and generally carry themselves with a more professional demeanor. I know that there are tons of exceptions, and surely everyone knows someone without a college education who comes across as professional and well-spoken, but that's just what I've observed from the people at work. </p> <p>Additionally, in today's world, it is common and not at all difficult to get a college degree. This isn't the time of Washington or Lincoln where self-education was common for intelligent, studious people. If someone who truly wants to be in politics hasn't taken the initiative to enroll in and finish college, you have to wonder why.</p> <p>I certainly don't think there should be an official requirement that a president have any sort of education. However, as I have to have an advanced degree just to advocate under the laws POTUS signs, I'm certainly not going to vote for someone without bachelor's at a minimum. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2077202 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 15:16:53 +0000 NeekieRose 2077202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Maysprout: with that criteria, you may not be able to vote for a major party candidate in 2016! (Not that I'm disagreeing with you....a Bush vs. Clinton race would really annoy me) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2077140 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 14:52:23 +0000 Maysprout 2077140@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think it should be required but I probably wouldn't vote for someone without one. </p> <p>Being a child/sibling/spouse of a past president is another big one that would make me very very unlikely to vote for that candidate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076893 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:48:41 +0000 sunny 2076893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: Yes, there are some legendary stories about Bill and his lack of diplomacy! However, I think he's mellowed out now that he's older. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076863 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:36:43 +0000 Mrs. J 2076863@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think that the higher/critical thinking skills that are required for a college degree and advanced degree are important traits for a POTUS. Would I totally eliminate anyone who didn't have that degree? No, but I'll echo previous posters in that it is pretty hard to find a person who has the brains and skills of a Bill Gates that hasn't gone to school. I'd evaluate all candidates fairly, but to compete on a world level, our POTUS needs to be the best of the best. No, a PhD doesn't guarantee that, but experience and knowledge are key for the highest office in the land. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076829 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:22:57 +0000 MrsSCB 2076829@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: YES, that's my girl! I wish I could use a high-five emoji, lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076812 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:13:14 +0000 jedeve 2076812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's kind of a moot point. Gov Walker is an exception. Most people would not be able to reach that level in politics without a degree. And I think it's unlikely he would become president. Maybe if he is a VP and the president dies or something. My money is on a Bush/Kasich ticket however. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076772 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:57:06 +0000 lawbee11 2076772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSCB: Totally agree with you. And so does RBG :)<br /> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/05/ruth-bader-ginsburg-campaign-financing_n_6622432.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/05/ruth-bader-ginsburg-campaign-financing_n_6622432.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076750 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:51:02 +0000 Mrs. Milk 2076750@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>ooh this is tricky! @blackbird's comment resonated with me - I need an advanced degree to do my job and it seems crazy that our president wouldn't. I also agree that what s/he studies shouldn't much matter, but the way of approaching the world and thinking that higher education provides is invaluable. </p> <p>I don't think it should be in our Constitution, but I think it should be an understood 'important life checkmark' s/he should have achieved before being elected. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076744 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:49:01 +0000 Shutterbug 2076744@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSCB: YES. I totally agree about campaign finance reform/cap.</p> <p>ETA: to answer the question, I don't think I personally would vote for a candidate without some kind of higher education, but I'm not sure if it should be a hard and fast requirement like the other three. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076741 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:47:52 +0000 LovelyPlum 2076741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think so, though I'd be willing at least consider an exceptional candidate without one. But yes, I believe that POTUS should have at least some post-high school education, and an advanced degree would be better.</p> <p>@blackbird: I think I agree with this. Prior military experience is helpful, and if they'll pay for college, then yes, I think this should happen, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076739 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:46:57 +0000 erinpye 2076739@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NeekieRose: I realize it's not an exact comparison, however, I believe in advanced education for advanced professions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076728 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:44:30 +0000 MrsSCB 2076728@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been thinking about this, and just to throw another idea out there....if we're worried about equalizing the playing field for presidential candidacy, I'd be more interested in setting a relatively small cap on campaign spending. I think that would go much farther toward making sure people got an equal shot regardless of socioeconomic status, etc. Right now, if you're not rich or you aren't friends with a lot of rich people, you probably don't have a shot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076696 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:36:39 +0000 NeekieRose 2076696@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinpye: a doctor having a degree isn't really a fair comparison. You wouldn't want someone with an advanced degree in business operating on you, it is a specific advanced degree. What is the degree (advanced or not) that would be required to be president? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076663 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:18:49 +0000 prettylizy 2076663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This post makes me sad :( I'm Canadian so take this with a grain of salt, but I just couldn't get behind having these types of restrictions on executive leadership. I think by virtue of their charisma and intelligence most if not all top political operatives will have some sort of higher education, it just seems like a logical course to follow when you are that type of driven person. But limiting these things is never a good idea, allowing the people to choose based on merits is the best course IMO </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree/page/2#post-2076649 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:08:33 +0000 travellingbee 2076649@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely. You need an advanced degree to lead a school or a school district. Why should the person leading the country not need a college degree? And I agree about the idea that someone dropping out of college sounds worse-- no stamina? no grit? I don't want someone to run my country if you can't even commit to your own education. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree#post-2076576 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:41:29 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2076576@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree#post-2076574 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:40:43 +0000 erinpye 2076574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: you echoed my own thoughts with your last 2 posts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree#post-2076570 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:39:31 +0000 ValentineMommy 2076570@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>While I would like to say, "no - experience is fine" or whatever, the fact is that lots of people in this country can't get ANY career without a degree. The leader of the country should have more college education than your average person. He/She should be exemplary - "the best of the best". In a different time, in a different country, I don't think it would matter. But with the way this country is going....yea, I think (s)he absolutely should have completed higher education. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree#post-2076562 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:38:00 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 2076562@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh and for those who say Bill Gates might have the skill set needed to become president, I'd say he's great at what he has done, but he is not qualified to be president. You need diplomacy skills that he is not well-suited for. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree#post-2076553 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:34:08 +0000 MrsSCB 2076553@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinpye: I also love Bill Gates' focus on world health right now, so he should keep doing that :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree#post-2076549 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:32:51 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 2076549@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Skadi: those presidents lived in a time for the most part where schooling was hard to come by... And certainly Lincoln dedicated himself to study voraciously (read Team of Rivals). What's going on now is this weird version of anti-intellectualism that is pretty poisonous (global climate change doesn't exist, evolution isn't real etc). Totally can't compare the past to the present! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree#post-2076522 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:25:59 +0000 mediagirl 2076522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have past presidents who didn't have college degrees. I think it depends and it should not be a requirement. Let the people decide. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree#post-2076503 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:20:50 +0000 lawbee11 2076503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@twodoghouse: If you're old and traditional for believing a college education is important then I'm right there with you :silly: </p> <p>To answer the question, yes, absolutely. An advanced degree would be even better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree#post-2076500 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:20:06 +0000 Ree723 2076500@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well, I will just say that if the way Scott Walker is running Wisconsin is representative of the way a non-graduate of university would run the country, then I most definitely think a college degree and beyond should be a minimum requirement for the position of POTUS! </p> <p>One learns so many skills in university that are essential throughout life, whether you use your degree or not. I just don't think a high school graduate can measure up when it comes to running the most powerful nation in the world. And again, all I have to say is Scott Walker.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree#post-2076495 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:19:07 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2076495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me the reason a degree and advanced degree are so Impt is the exposure to the world and different ways of thinking that a broad college education entails. It's possible to gain that experience without, but it's not very common. I can't imagine voting for a POTUS without a strong educational background. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree#post-2076489 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:16:54 +0000 erinpye 2076489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: @MrsSCB: not only are people like Bill Gates rare, I don't see his personality type being one that would run for president. For the vast majority of people who aren't like Bill Gates, and who also want to be president, I believe education is important. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-potus-have-a-college-degree#post-2076478 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:09:58 +0000 MrsSCB 2076478@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: That is a good point, I would not mind having someone like Bill Gates as president. On the other hand, I feel like the people with the intelligence of Bill Gates who are not college educated are few and far between, so that fuels my tendency to want a president to have completed higher education. But there are definitely exceptions in terms of qualified people! </p>