so wassup with this whole *likability* factor anyhow?

[nosmokes]

you know, the thing where they ask which candidate would you rather have over for a barbecue or some equally inane question. should that have any bearing at all on who your president is? maybe it should be a big factor in how you decide who you're gonna vote for as your county commissioner or city councilor, but it is it really a gauge you should be using for president? especially weighed against such things as, oh, i dunno, integrity, intelligence, an understanding of geo-political realities and the courage to face them head-on, which one can chug more beers in 3 minutes just doesn't seem to balance out. but it seems to matter to at least enough of the electorate that the media (yeah, i know) puts it in play.

and personally, i don't get it, because it's plainly obvious to me that will rogers never shrub.

so is it a real factor for significant percentage of folks voting, do you think, or is it a media myth?

[Vincardog]

1. Myth more BS from the machine to justify the injustice of Bu$hco

[LeinesRed]

4. personality is all corporate media can understand

the wouldn't dare discuss policy

[movonne]

2. The only likability is the media....

[terrya]

3. The question is total bullshit. Completely irrelvant.

How many times is the average American going to meet the President of the United States? Zero. Zip. Zilch.

The way the Presidency is today, the President is this person people only know through scripted, controlled appearances on television. It doesn't matter in the least if that man or woman is someone you could "have a beer with"

[tedoll78]

6. Yup. The person I vote for could be a total asshole personally..

but if he/she agrees with me on the policies (you know.. the reason we supposedly send them to D.C.?), they've got my vote. I don't care about what Kerry's favorite color or candy is. I don't care if he hates gummibears or Tivos the O.C. I want to know his stance on Social Security solvency. Income tax distribution. Energy independence.

It isn't American Idol. It isn't The Mr America Pageant. It's the Presidency of the United States.

[terrya]

7. Here's an example. Ronald Reagan was thought to be "likable"

God knows, I didn't see it. But that was the perception. And hell, we're still paying for his policies.

[flordehinojos]

11. I did not like Reagan either, nor do I like Poppy, Barbara,Shrubie,Laura

or Jeb. In fact I don't like any of them.

[fugue]

5. I think it's real

Most people I have talked politics with over the past twenty-five years have considered likability important. Many of them voted based entirely on that. I've never gotten it. I would much rather have someone I disliked but whose positions I supported.

In fact, I find politicians trying to be my pal a huge turn-off. It raises all my hackles. Some part of me is convinced that if the politician is trying to prove he is my friend, then he is my enemy and I'd better watch the snake-oil salesman very closely. I voted for Bill Clinton in spite of his friendly persona, not because of it.

[Jobu]

8. I don't think it trumps genuinely important issues...

...but it could be the deciding factor if a voter sees both candidates as being equal in most other respects (I'm not saying that is how voters see both candidates today, but if they did). Even though most voters never meet a candidate, a term of office (and by extension an election) IS about a relationship between the candidate and the voter. Smart politicians know this and try to connect to their potential voters.

The vast majority of voters are not as rabid about following politics as you and I may be. Many voters will never get into the nitty-gritty of a party platform or a candidate's record. Many of them will base their vote on how the individual sounds, looks or speaks. If they feel they can't take four years of hearing or seeing this individual on TV, then they may vote for the other person. This is obviously a stupid strategy when so much is at risk, but it is a fact of human nature that people probably don't vote for people they simply don't like.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

9. Thinking back on our past presidents...

Would you have really wanted to share a beer with Lincoln? The fellow was morose but brilliant and principled.

How about FDR? Aristocratic and high bred. Maybe a little high and mighty but (again) principled, decisive and brave.

There's Truman...pissed off lots of his colleagues and subordinates with his abrasive and demanding style. Blunt and impolite, made decisions and accepted accountability.

The list goes on...not particularly "likable" in the drinking buddy mold, but true leaders. What's become of this country? MKJ

grammatical edit

[gordianot]

10. Not why I am not voting for Bush.

I have always viewed him a smirking, dishonest, snobbish, phony. The Texas drawl does not sound right to me. The smirk and haughty attitude turn me off. I would not want to have a beer with him, he reminds me of the type who would stick you with the tab.

A neighbor lady who recently passed away (she was a Democrat) said he is the type she would like to party with but doubted he would make a good President.

I have many points of opposition to this man. I believe (based on his policies, behavior) he is dangerous and a threat to the country he professes to protect.