Don't call it Manhood - It's Called Charisma

I posted about a year ago that the only way Obama would lose this thing was if Christy won the republican nomination. Not because he's a bully, but because he has charisma. He vibrates at a more energized level than those who don't have it. All 350 pounds of him. That's why he's able to overcome fat prejudice with many. He's bigger than life - could be a character in a movie - or HBO series about mafia types. Ba da bing - he compels you to look at him.

I also said that he was the only charismatic GOP contender in the field, and no charismatic incumbant president has ever lost to challenger with less charisma. The only way an incumbant president, or VP running as heir apparent loses, is if the challenger has more charisma. This is why Reagan beat Carter and why Clinton beat Bush I.

Sometimes the difference in charisma factor is slight and other factors play out. That's why Bush beat Gore and Kerry, and why Obama beat Clinton. It's why Kennedy beat Nixon and LBJ beat Goldwater. Hillary Clinton has loads of charisma. But so does Obama. At least he always seemed to until last Thursday.

It's not who you want to have a beer with. It's who you want to watch in a movie. Up until now, despite his good looks, I didn't think Romney had it.

When I turned on the TV on at 9pm last Thursday I knew in 30 seconds that Romney was going to win the debate. He didn't look like a president - he looked like a movie star. Yes, he had that Bruce Dern/Brad Dourif maniacal look in his eye - but then we pay money at the box office to see that. The only way Obama's professorial persona could have overcome that was if he was green, had pointed ears, and said things like, "Medicare and PBS, plan to do away with them you will."

One of the flaws of this nation is that we have the capacity to be as deeply shallow as we can be touched with greatness. See Arnold Schwarzennegar Governor. Even with all the conveniences and comforts of modern times, life can still be hideously cruel and painful. We long for distraction and titillation and fantasy.

I hope in time things change and we we're able to pick the leaders of government based on intelligence, and reason, psychological health and good policy.

In the meantime, I'm praying that Biden and Obama come off like the rock stars.