Because many businessmen fail? 

No seriously, that's a good point, Neil, but what businessmen?  George W Bush was a businessman.  So is his plan best for the economy?  What about people like George Soros or Warren Buffett or Bill Gates or Ted Turner?  They've all done well for themselves, but they have Obama's ear - and if you listen to the radio or FOX news, you'd think Obama's a socialist. 

So... I'm not sure what your point is. 

Running the economy is not like running a business - a business has one goal: to make a profit for the owner or shareholders.  The economy is about more than making sure that a profit is turned.  For example - a business will make more money with less employees - more profit for the shareholders.  However, the economy thrives when more people are gainfully employed and earning and spending money.

I suppose.  Look - econ is not my strong point - this is a Mike Meyers issue, I imagine.  But that's my College Econ 101 understanding. 

Presidents have economic advisors - businessmen among them.  Congress deals with money in ways that benefit their constituancies - either by keeping funding coming into the state for employment, or in terms of pork for the state.  That sort of thing.  Either way - both are doing their jobs, which contribute to the economy and is different from running a business.

No?

Marc - I agree that I don't see Repubs switching over, but in addition to the senators you listed, I'd suggest that the likes of Lincoln Chafee and Chuck Hagel could be added to the list of Republicans who have been known to side with Democrats from time to time.

Good point, Mike, government is not and should not be run as a business to raise money. Especially since they can set the prices (taxes) for their services (governmental programs) and use the power of law (police and military) to enforce those prices. A completely different entity, with different rules and different ethics.

That said; it is a good thing when a lot of different viewpoints are available to the government and a good thing when a wide variety of people are elected to higher office. Business people, entrepreneurs, lawyers, teachers, doctors, ad infinitum all have valid things to say, but not even economists seem to understand the economy most times so that's where the doctors come into play with their hippocratic oath: Above all else do no harm. I hope for caution and care in any dealings with the economy.

Marc - I stand moted - I thought Chafee was still in!  Shows how behind I am!

Neil - I would argue that the government has a hand in shaping the flow of "laissez-faire" business - Republicans want less control, Democrats want more, to put it simplistically - and so when the blame is passed around, it's on those points. 

Being a Democrat, I personally believe in more control.  While I love freedom, regulation in business is one area that I am willing to surrender some slight amount of my freedom for the betterment of the nation.   I suggest that members of the left and right are both freedom lovers, but each are willing to part with some small degree of freedom in exchange for some small degree of comfort.  Usually on the left, we part with some small financial freedom in exchange for financial security, while on the right they part with some small security freedom in exchange for personal security.  Neither side is right or wrong on this matter - it's which freedom you are less concerned about, I suppose.

I understand your point about Franken, but take note:  Franken has made a lot of money over the years - but as a comedian. (And Television writer, actor, author, radio host, etc)  There are plenty of starving comedians out there. Clearly he has been able to manage funds for his own self - is he that much different than any other "businessman"? 

To bring this full circle - Franken's opponent, Coleman, started as a Democrat and became a Republican.  Full circle indeed.

To address your other point - funny that changing parties kills careers in Canada - one of our most popular American Presidents started as a Democrat and became a Republican.  I don't care for the man or his term in office, but switching parties sure didn't hurt Ronald Regan.

Jimmy Page was more fiscally responsible in the seventies than most of our "Businessman Politicians" today.  And he was just a musician.  And a producer, I guess.  And a heroin addict.  And diddling an underage groupie.

People are complex.