In your opinion, how important is "likability" in a President?
If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing. --Margaret Thatcher
2007-12-16 23:54:36 · 12 answers · asked by Elaine P...is for Poetry 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
Good quote.
Thatcher was popular with many Britons (hated by others!) but never really set out to be popular. She will be remembered for many decades to come.
Tony Blair was all about popularity. This led to a distinct lack of conviction (except on Iraq where he did go against public opinion and got it totally wrong) and his legacy in just a few years will be a hollow one.
Presidential candidates beware!
2007-12-16 23:59:09 · answer #1 · answered by Thomas V 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
When the motive is POWER (political power) one starts to say ANYTHING in order to be liked.
But what about all the unlikables that Margaret Thatcher hung out with in order to rectify her economy?
I'd prefer a quote by Margaret Mead when it comes to being "unpopularity".
2007-12-17 08:06:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Ol' Margaret was right on th money. Straddle the fence as long as possible to win votes. It's common and--to some extent-it works.
2007-12-17 09:13:44 · answer #3 · answered by hokielover01 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Candidates more concerned with popularity than the issues will be failures. Likability is important, but I tend to like candidates with strong opinions.
2007-12-17 07:58:07 · answer #4 · answered by The Vegan Heathen 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
just about everyone running is trying hard to exercise the "likability"... after all, look what happens when they try to answer questions honestly...
Iike when Obama was asked why he wasnt wearing a flag pin. he said he thought a lot of people were replacing the symbol of wearing one with real patriotism. The press thought that was WAY too much of an answer... he 'shoulda said' i lost it, or something.
2007-12-17 08:20:50 · answer #5 · answered by Faesson 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Just look at Hillery smiling face when she was so mean to the people that worked for Clinton in the white house, reported they all hated her.
You don't change overnight
2007-12-17 08:04:33 · answer #6 · answered by kerij 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like Hucksterbee.
Ron Paul 08
2007-12-17 08:01:45 · answer #7 · answered by idontknow 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Just because a candidate is extremely unlikeable it does not mean she would be a good president, is honest, would not sell anything of our country to fatten up her personal bank accounts, or would actually get us healthcare.
Clinton is unlikeable because we know she lies constantly and puts herself and the Bush dynasty above the people of the United States.
2007-12-17 08:28:00 · answer #8 · answered by Sherilynne B 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I very SO much disagree with Thatcher's premise...But, you don't have to 'like' somebody, just respect them...much the same as you don't have to agree with ALL their decisions...
Politics and coffee...would much prefer vodka when talking about politics!
Elysabeth...poemhunter.com
2007-12-17 10:15:18 · answer #9 · answered by Elysabeth 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
American politics is a long way from showing this kind of maturity.
'Like' and 'looks' play a major part in electing a representative.
Most people 'know' that Hillary will be a very good President, but they don't 'like' her.
2007-12-17 08:16:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋