Why do endorsements cause some to become weak at the knees?

[busymom]

OK...so Kennedy endorsed Obama and Reno endorsed Clinton.....

Seriously...even if Gore himself were to come out and endorse Clinton, I wouldn't get all freaky about it.

Why is it that nostalgia about a time long ago, remembered through the filter of time can get people teary eyed?

So the romanticized notion of JFK and an eventualy endorsement by Teddy actually SWAYS peoples VOTES?

Wow....

[jody]

1. Perhaps "weak at the knees" is a symptom of "hero worship"? n/t

[AX10]

5. The Republicans do the same thing with Reagan.

[PATRICK]

2. Not with any star in particular

but it is thrilling to see so many Dems step up and lead. That means ALL of us together and no matter the candidate are going have to be out there. That is the main message, not just churning out a candidate to reap the planned rewards of a possibly good year. We want a sea change not a change of seats.

[Proud2BAmurkin]

3. shaking and crying over politicians isn't sound

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

6. Shaking and crying politicians aren't sound.

[golddigger]

4. Beats me...

:shrug:

[Atman]

7. Because they had week knees to begin with.

Politics isn't a game for the week-kneed or the lily-livered, but the internet tubes have made it an armchair (or office chair) sport for the masses. I honestly can't see how an endorsement would change anyone's mind. If you're waiting to see if your hero also likes the guy you like, you probably have no business voting in the first place. Read the candidates' platforms, check their bona fides...if they're crap, you'll know not to vote for them. How hard is that?

.

[EffieBlack]

8. Endorsements are only as effective as the people involved

In this case, Kennedy's endorsement of Obama is very meaningful, in light of Obama's message of change, something that has brought comparisons with JFK. Having JFK's baby brother and his sole heir not only endorse Obama, but do so because they say he carries out the message and mission of JFK is VERY meaningful.

Politicians often get too far out there trying to compare themselves to Kennedy - leads to the "I knew Jack Kennedy and you, sir, are no Jack Kennedy" smackdowns. I've never heard Obama compare himself to Kennedy, but many other people have. This endorsement coming from his family (not the whole family, of course, but the two most closely associated with JFK), validates those comparisons in the minds of people who want to really believe in him but are doubtful that they are hoping for too much.

This is a powerful endorsement.

[NMMNG]

9. I've never understood the concept myself

OMG, Troy McClure endorsed my candidate!1!1 :crazy:

Why do people think their candidate is suddenly more worthy because they got the nod from a celebrity, a newspaper, another politician, etc? But then again maybe I'm one of the dying breed who values thinking for myself over following a herd.