Presidential Qualifications? Really?

If you wanna apply for a job as assistant dogcatcher, there are a list of qualifications, and falling short of these criteria may cost you a real chance at the job. Yet for the job of President, this policy doesn't seem to apply, does it?

Is George Bush's victory in 1988 over Michael Dukakis the last time a first-time candidate won the Presidency while also being the most "qualified" candidate? Look at the three examples since - each one below with the winner being the one on top. Looking blindly at a short, succinct list like this after having been in a cave for the last 20 years and knowing NOTHING about the candidates, which one would you pick in each election based ONLY on this list?


1992
Governor of small southern state
Vs.
Congressman, Head of CIA, 8 years as Vice President, 4 years as President


2000
One-term governor of state wherein governor has almost no real power, owner of baseball team, failed oil man
Vs.
Congressman for 9 years, Senator for 8 years, Armed Services Committee, Vice President for 8 years

2008
One-term US Senator, State Senator
Vs.
Congressman for 26 years, 22 as US Senator, many committees (including Armed Services Committee)

Also, the same could probably be applied to Carter/Reagan in 1980. Very interesting to me. Inside the voters' minds. Something to watch next time.