Are too many Americans inclined to choose a President who 'looks' the part?

Question

And is that one of the main reasons why Kucinich, Paul and Tancredo stand no chance of winning... no matter what they do or say?

And yes, I'm aware of what George Bush looks like, but I don't think most people really became aware of his odd facial expressions until after he became President.

Robert, I'm 50...so thanks! It's been a while since anyone has called me "young"!

Answer 1

You make a good point here as Americans do have a tendency to vote for someone who looks good or one who is charming or witty as well. A good case in point is back to the 1960 election debates between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy as Nixon looked pale as Kennedy looked handsome and calm and it was certainly noticed by the television audience. Nixon was probably smarter politically and certainly had more experience than Kennedy but Kennedy had the looks, the sense of humor, charisma, and charm to go with his sense of confidence and strong speech making. Of course in a close election, Kennedy won the Presidency.

Answer 2

confident I do sense badly. it is been an on-going challenge for an somewhat long term. A maximum insidious and foul capture-22, i'd say. right here’s why: We supposedly stay in a democracy. It’s no longer particularly a democracy, it’s a republic (that’s a narrative for yet another day), yet there is been a pretense, previously, that the folk particularly have a say. The hidden fact is that the bosses of the main television stations are making judgements that define the process our united states of america, and that they’re doing it from inner maximum boardrooms sequestered on the single hundredth floor of a skyscraper, and there’s no longer something any individuals can do approximately THEM because of the fact they aren’t elected or to blame to each physique however the business enterprise’s shareholders — ya understand… different wealthy human beings. it is why SOCIAL Media is that this style of super and valuable variety of advice! Social Media smashes that administration grid and places ability interior the palms of the various, somewhat than the few. (universal Media is having a extra healthful approximately this...ha ha!) permit's use that ability! We in ‘internet communities can arise and say, “To hell with you adult men. We’re hosting our very own debate and we’ll invite anybody!” Like we are all doing right here. regardless of, how each and every person feels approximately subjects, each and every individuals is getting to grasp something new each and every of the time, correct?

Answer 3

Sad but true people judge other people by the cover to bad they weren't books eh?
How about how the media steers us to candidates especially when Dean was running in last election they blew up his we will go to California etc statement playing his gaff over and over again. We usually get what we deserve instead of getting the best person for the job we get the best perceived personal on an image basis.
If we really want a change we should stay away from the "Experienced" politician and give an outsider who has no allegiance to the big money interests a chance to change things instesd of promises to do so "I.E. Hillary Clinton"
She has so much special interest money behind her do you think she'll actually shake things up. If we were voting for the wives or husband maybe it would be better
Tee

Answer 4

Yes and No.
I think its more than "looking" the part. I think that sounding the part is also important to their commercialism sales pitch.

I'm not sure we really expect a President to be "handsome" or "pretty" these days as much as in some other eras. But I think if they talk a good talk and walk a good walk then they have more of a chance than those who don't.

I try to vote on platform and have never, consciously, voted on the appeal of looks and talk. But I woudn't disregard it completely. I know this is an extreme example. But if a guy who looked like manson in a weird colored suit went to a meeting with an ambassador of another ocuntry, or even just a senate meeting, it could actually hinder whatever the goal might be that week. Appearance still means quite a bit in any major business setting. And lets face it, the Presidency is a MAJOR business setting.

"If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull----"
P.T. Barnum and Robert Aspirin

Answer 5

It's not so much looking the part, but rather being chosen for the part. Certain candidates are getting most of the airtime, while the others are relegated to the background. It's about who's bought, who's related, and who has the better connections. Dems like Kucinich's ideas and his stance against the war, and Repubs like Paul and his ideas. Regardless or their popularity with the people (especially Paul), they will not get as much air time because the candidates they want you to focus on have been chosen for you.

Answer 6

I totally agree that people are too swayed by a person's looks and not their ability. Have people noticed that America's stability was strongest and voting more secure before the invention of television? The 1940's and 50's had stronger leadership than we do now and I would bet it has to do with the public's ability to see their politicians on television.

The more we watch our politicians at work, the weaker our government seems to become. I think that governments who don't have so many electronic gadgets, are improving their political status in the world while those who have more electronics are beginning to show signs of wear and tear.

A study needs to be made here and I'll bet my theory is right. Too many of our decisions are made on emotion rather than intellect. Politician should be allowed to speak on radio but never be shown on television. Those new clothes, haircut and shoes are no reflection on what kind of leader they will make in spite of the fact that the masses think so.

Answer 7

Well, personally, I try to avoid that (after all, I voted for Kerry regardless of the fact that he looked like a sad hound dog), but I do see your point. If someone was really really sure that they wanted to vote for John Edwards, for example, and all the sudden he went out and got tattoos, grew a goatee, and had his hair fashioned into a blue mohawk, would he still get their vote? I highly doubt it. In fact, even though he would still be the exact same person, he would probably be dumped and pushed out of the election so fast his newly fashioned head would spin. It is this shallowness that has made so many people shy away from politics and voting in general. Where are the ideals and values found in a stuffed suit convention?

Answer 8

Says a lot about the way many are indoctrinated into a belief system, that has an agenda in advertising. The world of beautiful people to decide on the country's issues.

I wonder how the blind ever get an opinion on how to vote? Is it just listening to the propaganda of others to let him know what a candidate looks like?

It is foolish, and yet for those who follow, rather than lead, it is what happens when they are indoctrinated into how a candidate should look, instead of the persons content!

.

Answer 9

I agree ... I look back at perhaps out greatest president, Lincoln, who preserved the Union against almost impossible odds, in the process creating the conditions that would allow the nation to heal and grow after a bitter, horribly destructive Civil War. The effort killed him, figuratively and finally literally, but the Union survives because of him. Finally, I like him because he was as self-made a man and President as we have ever had, an excellent writer, and a very funny guy. In addition, there is no way that this ungainly man, born in poverty, self-educated, a homely country lawyer with a dreadful wife and a sqeaky speaking voice, could ever get elected in the age of TV and computers. This endears him to me all the more.

Answer 10

In a society where looks count and since the advent of television, it does mean that the better looking person will make a better impression and be the choice for some. It should not be so but unfortunately we live in an image conscious society.

it is a hard sell for the other candidates but sooner or later they should be able to make an impression on the voters.