With professional politicians arguably held in lower esteem than ever before (a recent, cheekily conducted poll found that Congress is less popular than root canals, colonoscopies, and cockroaches), it only stands to reason that any popular call for someone without legislative or governing experience would hoist Carson into the presidential discussion.

And this idea that a political neophyte might actually win the whole thing is nothing new. …

That Perot, Forbes, and Cain all hailed from the business world is a common thread that Carson does not share. But like Carson, those three would-be “citizen presidents” had an unvarnished style on the stump, which came across initially as refreshing but failed to wear well over the endurance test that is a presidential campaign. Vying successfully for the nation’s highest office, it has been shown repeatedly, requires the kind of seasoning that only comes from having spent time as a professional politician. …

Carson’s life story is undeniably impressive, his inherent talents sound, and the enthusiasm he has generated in a few short weeks genuine. But even amid the shifting landscape of the Republican Party, which has downgraded significantly the importance of experience and being “the next in line,” going from 0 to 60 on the biggest political stage remains a tall task for anyone.