Personal charisma - who's got it?

[Paragon]

It's an important question. Indulge me.

Throw out everyone's resume for a minute - because it certainly wasn't Bush's that got him selected. There's some misbegotten part of the population that actually finds his smirking, strutting, "down home" crap appealing, God forbid. So based purely on appearances - because that's obviously enough for some voters - who's got it?

The point is not whether you agree with my perceptions or not -- because I guarantee you some "image consultant" in each and every campaign has discussed this, too. OK? Here goes:

1. Sharpton - He didn't get asked on SNL just because he was a local. Colin Powell would break a hip trying to approximate James Brown. Funny, sharp, opinionated.

2. Dean - Passion, intelligence, shoots from the hip. You don't develop a groundswell without people believing in your forthrightness.

3. Edwards - The JFK pin-up of all the candidates. Even when he's "edgy" (which I've yet to see), he'll be all warm and smiles.

4. Kerry - There's a comfortableness about him, teetering on the edge of bone-dryness. The victory pictures from Monday night are as animated as I've ever seen him.

5. Kucinich - His energy and conviction are plain, undeniable. Too much of that coming from a little guy tends to scare them in the sticks.

6. Clark - Patton he ain't; Hollywood wouldn't cast someone that timid as a four-star general. Speaks like he's reading off a teleprompter, even when he's not.

7. Lieberman - Wettest of the wet noodles. Whines even when he's happy.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

1. first off

you couldn't be more wrong about Clark. Charisma is his second highest attribute, following his military record. And I'm not completely a Clark supporter, I'm more of a Dean person. Clark is charismatic as they come. To put Kerry over Clark in the charisma category is to misunderstand charisma.

charisma - 1-A rare personal quality attributed to leaders who arouse fervent popular devotion and enthusiasm.
2-Personal magnetism or charm


IMHO - Kerry has not aroused "fervent popular devotion" as, say, a Clark or a Dean. Neither has Kerry the "personal magnetism or charm" that Clark or Dean have. Kerry has other atttributes that would make him a quality leader.

You said, about Clark, "Patton he aint" - I would agree - but then, Patton was no Clark either. Clark understands nuance.

[Paragon]

4. OK...

One, the people of Iowa seemed to be pretty "fervent" about John Kerry.

Two, what do you find enthralling about Clark? I said forget the resume -- medals and military service don't make you charismatic. Honestly, he's this far from looking all deer-in-the-headlights.

[One Taste]

2. Edwards, Kucinich, Clark

In that order. I disagree with those who always speak of Dean's charisma, but that may just be me only seeing him in the debates until tonights post-Iowa rant.:shrug:

[Killarney]

3. Clark, Dean and Edwards have the charisma

I love Kerry, but he needs to work on that aspect.

[Anaxamander]

5. Clark: 18 charisma

Clark
STR 18
INT 18
WIS 18
CHA 18
CON 18
DEX... okay, dexterity ain't what it used to be, but he's still a damn fine candidate.

(sorry for the... nerdishness...)

[Paragon]

6. LOL

Ohhh, that's funny. :D

I remember playing a game with a newbie, and his attack was "I'll throw my rations at him." :silly:

[Anaxamander]

16. Newbies come up with some funny stuff...

I once had a girl who successfully used her rope as a lasso and was so enamored with the idea that she refused to carry a sword after that.

[cally]

7. Edwards, Clark, Kucinich, Dean

Sharpton has that funny wit but I wouldn't want to hang with him. I would feel most comfortable with Edwards. I think Dean and Kucinich would be fun and engage in spirited conversations. Clark comes across as deeply committed, engaged, and has that killer smile.

[LTR]

8. I disagree

Clark has lots of charisma, and if you'd actually watch one of his town hall or talk show appearances, you'd realize this.

Q&A sessions make up the bulk of many town halls, he's friendly, laid-back, straightforward, and tries not to miss anybody. Does Howard Dean do this, or is he too drained from shouting at people.

As far as the others, Edwards is laid back and friendly. Also very personable. Kerry can turn it on when he wants, and when he's hot, he's hot.

Kucinich is passionate, but he seems like he needs a confidence boost. A bit timid.

Sharpton reigns supreme, but let's face it - he's been a preacher since he was 9 years old. He rocked on Bill Maher last week, swatting down a hyperventilating Ron Silver.

And Joe Lieberman has his moments, but he's depressing as a corpse.

So, the way I rank 'em:

1. Sharpton
2. Edwards
3. Clark
4. Dean
5. Kerry
6. Kucinich
7. Lieberman

[Paragon]

9. That's cool

And I have watched Clark on broadcast TV and C-SPAN -- I've given all the candidates a fair shot.

I hear people on this thread saying that Clark is charismatic, I just don't hear why.

[One Taste]

10. Why is Dean charismatic?

All I really hear is anger. Maybe some people respond to that:shrug: but I don't.

[Paragon]

11. Ask the networks, newspapers, magazines, Rolling Stone, his supporters...

Charisma is not just "being nice" - it's an oft-intangible feeling you get from someone which may be any combination of things.

James Dean never played a "nice man"...but he oozed charisma. Still does.

P.S. - Do you always answer a question with a question?

[One Taste]

13. "Do you always answer a question with a question?"

I'm not sure, do I?:evilgrin:

I'll try to catch some more of Dean and see if I can see in him what you and obviously alot of others do. :)

[Frederic Bastiat]

14. Does charisma include...

...disnintegrating on national TV?

[Paragon]

15. I dunno

What's "disnintegrating"? :D

[tishaLA]

18. Well, I think there is no "why" to charisma

it's completely subjective--something you feel or you don't. And sometimes the people who are most "charasmatic" ar those others are allergic to. Like Sharpton, who probably has the most pure charisma in the race...and people LOATHE him.

Personally, I don't feel the charisma of lots of the candidates. I think SHarpton, CLark, and Dean have it, but that others are lacking it.

[loftycity]

12. In person.. it is Kucinich

DK has the Charsima...to see him live. He really does have it.

[robbedvoter]

17. Clark. Talk to anyone who actually met him.

End of list.

[Terwilliger]

19. Clark

Dean kinda