Since when is Magic Johnson against rookies?

According to Magic, who is supporting Hillary Clinton for president, "You don't want somebody in there that is young or a rookie at politics. ... We want somebody in there that knows what they're doing because this job is so huge (Star Tribune, Dec. 19)."

So says the first and only rookie to be named the NBA Finals MVP in 1980 after he notched 42 points, 15 boards, seven assists and three steals in the deciding game to win the NBA championship. That rookie sure didn't have a problem running his team. But then again, that was 1980. You can't have rookies running things nowadays.

Then again, who is that kid -- the one who is taking the Vikings to the playoffs with his record-setting numbers? Oh, yes, Adrian Peterson. Isn't he a rookie? I think so, Magic.

Now I know politics and sports are two different things. But then again, why is Magic Johnson -- one of the best rookies in the history of sports -- badmouthing rookies so much?

I'm fine if Magic wants to vote for Clinton. But I need a better reason to vote against Barack Obama than his experience.

Clinton became a senator in 2000. Obama became one in 2004. I don't see a huge difference there. If experience is "so huge," then shouldn't Magic be endorsing Joe Biden, Chris Dodd or Bill Richardson?

JOE GREEN, GOLDEN VALLEY