Ms. Clinton

[BarbaraGordon]

has posted a new video today.
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/feature/video/

Three words: not a chance.

The problem with Ms. Clinton, policy aside, is that while there may a sort of sentimental nostalgia among democrats for the William J. Clinton era; Hillary herself lacks the personality and charisma that made Bill electable.

I heard there's a movement to nominate Gore again. Which makes me wonder if these people understand the importance of persona at all.

[il Padrino Ute]

She needs to heed the counsel of your signature, Babs. The frightening thing is she actually believes she wouldn't destroy the country.


I agree with your comment that some kind of personality or charisma is necessary. Her personality is polarizing and grating. Gore is like anesthesia.

[RockyBalboa]

The liberals in spite of all the openings the conservatives have given them still don't have a damn clue about capitalizing on a Presidential opportunity.

They are an embarrasment, but they've deserved and earned being called that. And that's being nice.

[Detroitdad]

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

She needs to heed the counsel of your signature, Babs. The frightening thing is she actually believes she wouldn't destroy the country.


I agree with your comment that some kind of personality or charisma is necessary. Her personality is polarizing and grating. Gore is like anesthesia.

Charisma and charm (or demonstrated competence) are not necessary to be President or vice-president. For examples see the Wikipedia entries for Bush, George H.W., Bush, George W., Cheney, Richard, and Nixon, Richard.

[BarbaraGordon]

Originally Posted by Detroitdad

Charisma and charm (or demonstrated competence) are not necessary to be President or vice-president. For examples see the Wikipedia entries for Bush, George H.W., Bush, George W., Cheney, Richard, and Nixon, Richard.

I disagree.

In terms of charisma:

GW Bush > Kerry
GW Bush > Gore (although some would argue that Gore won the election)
Clinton > Dole
Clinton > G Bush
G Bush > Dukakis
Reagan > Mondale
Reagan > Carter

I can't go back much farther than that, because
A. I'm only 29
and
B. I'm not sure how far back the hypothesis holds, with changes in media, etc.

addition: Obviously charisma/persona alone is not sufficient. But in recent history charismatic advantage seems to be a necessary component of a successful presidential campaign.

[BarbaraGordon]

So, I've been thinking about what I posted yesterday about charisma.

This is kinda scary. What it basically means, is that if a party's only objective is to win the presidency, they should review the major contenders, then choose a personality first and make up a platform later.

Which would put us with what? Giuliani vs. Obama?
Something like that. I'm not sure who's most personable among the Republicans.

Either way it's a scary means of choosing a president. As my husband likes to say, "Democracy: it just doesn't work."

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by BarbaraGordon

So, I've been thinking about what I posted yesterday about charisma.

This is kinda scary. What it basically means, is that if a party's only objective is to win the presidency, they should review the major contenders, then choose a personality first and make up a platform later.

Which would put us with what? Giuliani vs. Obama?
Something like that. I'm not sure who's most personable among the Republicans.

Either way it's a scary means of choosing a president. As my husband likes to say, "Democracy: it just doesn't work."

Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.

The solution to much of our nation's political ills is to increase voter turnout in primaries. In many ways, the primaries are more important than the general election. I don't pretend to know how to get that to happen, but it would solve a lot of issues.

[Archaea]

Wouldn't it be better if more people knew what occurred behind closed doors?

More voters is not the solution but real knowledge of how what they do gets done. However, the politicos would not want that knowledge out.

[BarbaraGordon]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.

The solution to much of our nation's political ills is to increase voter turnout in primaries. In many ways, the primaries are more important than the general election. I don't pretend to know how to get that to happen, but it would solve a lot of issues.

yeah. I also hate that I can't vote in both parties' primaries. Last time I really REALLY wanted to vote in the Democratic primary because I liked Leiberman so much better than that icky Kerry guy.

My husband thinks democracy would work better if we required an IQ test at registration.

[YOhio]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.

The solution to much of our nation's political ills is to increase voter turnout in primaries. In many ways, the primaries are more important than the general election. I don't pretend to know how to get that to happen, but it would solve a lot of issues.

Primaries need to be nationalized. It's silly that Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina have such a disproportionate influence over who wins a party's nomination. If there were a set day in the late spring where every state voted in a presidential primary, voter turnout would increase.