Why is Obama considered inexperienced when he has more senate experience than Hilary Clinton?

People don't realize how much experience Obama has. Just because he's only been in the US senate since 2004 people don't realize he has 12 years of senate experience! (Illinois Senate 1996) Clinton was also the first lady for 8 years, but she wasn't as active as other first ladies past. I honestly have know clue why she is regarded as more experienced than Obama. Age also could play a role. They are both brilliant people, but personally I believe Obama has more "average life" experience. Before he was elected to the senate and wrote a best-selling book he was just scraping by where as I don't think Hillary has ever had that experience. It all depends on how you look at it. (And why on earth wouldn't state senate experience count?)