Quote:
Originally Posted by BarbaraGordon
I disagree.
In terms of charisma:
GW Bush > Kerry
GW Bush > Gore (although some would argue that Gore won the election)
Clinton > Dole
Clinton > G Bush
G Bush > Dukakis
Reagan > Mondale
Reagan > Carter
I can't go back much farther than that, because
A. I'm only 29
and
B. I'm not sure how far back the hypothesis holds, with changes in media, etc.
addition: Obviously charisma/persona alone is not sufficient. But in recent history charismatic advantage seems to be a necessary component of a successful presidential campaign.
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Not surprisingly, I disagree, although your point is astute and well taken. Let me demonstrate my objection.
In terms of Charisma:
Edwards>Kerry
McCain> Bush
Gore =Bradley
ElizabethDole>Bob Dole (amazingly no one with more charisma ran, and truly there have been few politicians with less demonstrated charisma than Bob Dole, until, of course after the election, when it was discovered that Dole was a likable, funny guy. Who knew?)
Cuomo>Clinton (at least as percieved at the time)
Hart>Dukakis
My point is that the most charismatic politician does not always emerge from the party fight. It is usually the politician with the best package of charisma ( I am not totally denying its importance), pedigree, fund raising ability, and the best fit for the effect of the external political climate on the internal party politicx.
I will grant you that it would seem that the most charismatic politician wins in a general election, but I will also add that charisma is, to a large degree the perception as put forward by the media. Just as an example, Howard Dean was charismatic, until he was over enthusiastic, and then he was considered one of the most charmless politicians in recent memory.
Of course, arguing over which politician has the most charisma is much like arguing over whether one quarterback or another has "it." I think Hillary has the best combination of factors, and she has a chance to undo some of her negatives and show that she has "it." In summary John Beck + Hillary Clinton= IT.
I will wait for my conservative friends to start puking now.