Much is being said about Mrs. Clinton being the first woman to be nominated as a presidential candidate.

Should novelty be so heralded in such a choice?

For Democrats, novelty has been on for decades. Competence has been downplayed.

Barack Obama has been celebrated as the first African-American president. History has yet to adjudicate.

Bill Clinton was the first "bubba" president. Highly regarded for the ability, if needed, to cry out of one eye.

Jimmy Carter was the first peanut farmer to become president. In his own words he had been a "nucular" technician.

Hillary Clinton provides two novelties to the nomination. She is a woman and a crook.

Should novelty trump competence?