Who Cares About Likeability?

Mo Rocca Wonders If The Way We Chose Our Presidents Makes Sense

(CBS)  Sunday Morning commentator Mo Rocca wonders if the way we chose our president is effective.

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The competition is underway: Candidates expected to demonstrate excellence, but also expected - and this crucial - to be likable. Eventually a winner will be selected.

Of course I'm speaking about "Dancing with the Stars." But I could also be talking about the presidential election.

Last year Emmitt Smith won "Dancing"; George Bush won his last two contests. Neither man demonstrated the best command of their issues: During the 2000 campaign Bush had trouble naming major world leaders; Smith's samba was simply not on par with Mario Lopez's paso doble. But both Bush and Smith were supremely likable.

And yet, in politics at least, are we a little "over" likeability? This time around, do we even want to see candidates bowl, clear brush, flip pancakes, happily devour Big Macs?

Bush was famously nice to the press that covered him in 2000. Being nice is, well, nice. Nothing more. It's not the same as strong character.

The emphasis on likeability, this cult of niceness, hasn't always hung over elections. It's hard to imagine Eisenhower riding a motorcycle onto the set of "The Tonight Show," or FDR playing dress-up with Regis.

Yes, I know that candidates have always tried to project the image of the common man - the manor-born William Henry Harrison telling voters he was raised in a log cabin. Candidates will do anything to convince us they're just like you and me. Well, they're not like you and me.

This election I'm going to do my best to focus and vote for excellence. In '08 I don't care so much about likeability. I want the candidate who's got something like ... ability.

Of course I wouldn't mind watching them all attempt the Argentine Tango.

Bush's swagger was in full swing in 2000 and 2004 for all to see. The snarl was there, too. I felt the likeability thing was a media construct and not a real fact.
Reporting on ability and the issues is a media duty. At least, it used to be.

[thenamesdave]

Why is it more important for a president to be able to cook flapjacks or chop wood than it is for him/her to be smart, diplomatic, competent? Folksiness doesn't earn you any respect from me or from any of the rest of the world. Next time, why don't we put someone into office who's actually qualified? Maybe even one who can string together a few English words.

[omega39-2009]

It's too bad that people didn't look at Bush's dismal record in Texas instead of voting for him because "He's the kind of guy you would like to have a beer with"

[bill1fj]

I want someone to vote for that has some answers.
What would he/she do about the mess in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the mideast? Not what they dislike about Bush's plan but what would they do?
What would they do about the millions of illegal aliens in this country, and the businesses/people that hire them?
Education?
Health Care?
"Pork"?

Seems like everyone running is bashing others but not saying what they would do.
How about some answers?

[mcvet]

Bush's swagger was in full swing in 2000 and 2004 for all to see. The snarl was there, too. I felt the likeability thing was a media construct and not a real fact.
Reporting on ability and the issues is a media duty. At least, it used to be.
Posted by sesanders1 at 01:41 PM : Apr 01, 2007

Well Bush was "Handled" well too. Questions given him were TIGHTLY controled, submitted in advance. He was a puppet on a string but you gotta admit they pulled the strings very well indeed. What we need to demand is OPEN Access to the Canidates. When I see a Canidate like Bush out there, that's an automatic NO. Also, when I see a "Reformed" Religious Extremist, that's also a NO vote for me. A "Compassionate" Conservative? They'd better run because I'll start shooting.

[bmsbms29]

I lived in Texas for over 25 years & I am glad that George Bush was Texas Governor & I am very thankful that he was elected President.

He is not perfect - NO ONE IS! But he cares more for our country than his popularity.

Popularity does not and will not protect our country. Did you want him to be like clinton - & just party & put all problems aside.

In addition, clinton left the presidential offices in a total mess. No wonder the Bush Administration did not know of any warnings concerning 9/11. It took them months to straighten out the mess left!!! But everyone seems to forget that.

Just remember - Would you rather have a president who PARTIES all the time & just wants you to like him OR would you rather have a President who cares for his country & wants to protect it.

President Bush is our man! Later many will look back & wish they had not been so negative toward him.

Thank you President Bush for caring! And for protecting our United States of America!!!!

[johngorrind]

The American public must hold itself accountable for its carelessness and lack of serious attention it gives the election of its leaders. The fact the last two presidential elections have been highly suspect doesn't seem to faze.

"Why man, he doth bestride the world
Like a Colossus, and we petty men
Walk under his huge legs, and peep about
To find ourselves dishhonourable graves.
Men at some time, are masters of their fates.
The fault dear Brutus is not in our Stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings."

Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare

[rochest]

in 2004 President Bush seeking reelection went to the Daytona 500 drove the lead car to a cheering crowd of NASCAR dad's saying I love speed I was pilot. Yes right during Vietnam he kept Texas skies free of the enemy and at some point even patrolled the fair skies of S.Carolina. So when was the last time you saw this chicken hawk at a NASCAR event? Maybe all you folks that say that Bush is just a regular guy someone you could really sit down and have a beer with will realize that you have been played the time by this Republican machine that wants to be in power forever and ever.

[fredgrad2000]

Likeability? Well, if Hillary is elected in 2008, it will throw that whole theory into the trashbin...she is not a likeable, charismatic person...if she wins it will be due to money, with a distant second to overly favorable media coverage. If Obama wins or John Edwards, or perhaps Guiliani (who has high favorability ratings) maybe likeability will have been a key component. I agree with many posters here, that ability SHOULD be the prime determiner, but unfortunately in this sound-bite dominated era we live in, where all of our politicians are groomed and handled to the -enth degree by strategists - I'm not sure we the public even have a fair chance to determine who is most qualified or has the best leadership abilities in a national election anymore...

[rochest]

BSMBSM29the Clintons and their staff DID NOT trash the White House .... that has been proven to be a false rumor something that the Republican spin machine has been pushing and according to the 911 commission and Condi's own testimony President Bush received a presidential daily briefing entitled " bin Ladin determined to strike inside the U.S. "so we're just good old boys here nothing to see here just move along and don't think too long about this criminal administration do neck of a job Bushie

[gkc99]

Buh-*** is a national embarassment when he opens his mouth. Most world leaders are at least articulate. If the press wasn't always giving the righties a pass and Curious George's vacuous stupidities were given the coverage the public deserves, even the half-illiterate American public would be ashamed that this fool represents our country to the world.

[knyghtwolf]

bmsbms29 are you saying that a man that has soiled the American NAME, stolen money from the American people for his and Cheney's OWN company? Yeah, thats not a perfect man, thats a plain idiotic imbecile with strings so far up his butt that he can floss his teeth with em. Bush came to my university back when he was about to start running for President, it was all carefully controlled questions, submitted for approval and all. C- education all the way. I told my fellow students that IF that man gets elected president, the world is doomed, and look at it today. WAR that is faked and has been debunked many times over, lies upon lies upon lies, yeah thanks bush, that is exactly how we all wanted it. The man has NO diction, NO common sense, FULL of himself to the brim. I lived in west texass for 12 years, had to for private reasons but I am HOME now. and thank the Spirit for getting me the hell out of west texass before I would have been stuck there for LIFE.

[tucson23]

I can't think of a single world leader who isn't smarter than Bush, including Kim Jung Il, Ahmadinejad, and Chavez. Tony Blair is a genius compared to Bush. Sure Saddam Hussein was not as smart, and Bush certainly is smarter than most Republicans, so at least he has that going for him.

[stick130]

I blame all the News Journalist for not investigating Bush. I use to believe what I heard them report was the facts. Never again! I use my computer to get the news now,you have to go on many sites and usually you find the truth somewhere between the lines. It's a shame C-Span is so dull,I believe that is the only news program we have that reports the facts. News facts are not suppose to be entertaining but maybe they could smile a little more that would be a start. Thank you C-Span.

[stick130]

I'm not sure that Bush is quilified to flip burgers or pancakes. Next thing ya know he would start a War against the Waffle House and Burger King. Bush the "Desider" has made the United States the most untrusted Country in the World. How can one Idiot make the whole World against the United States. Our TV remote control is very important to all of us. Now we can change the channel quick enough so we won't have to hear anymore lies comming out of the Idiots vocal cords.

[imprisonbush]

I have never understood the frequently voiced view that Bush was a stronger candidate than Gore or Kerry because he was more "likeable" -- the kind of person who most Americans would like to sit down with and have a beer. From minute one, he appeared to me to be an arrogant, stupid, angry little frat boy with a mean streak as big as Texas. Of course even I underestimated what a complete failure of a President he would be and how much damage this two-bit fool could cause. It's really like this surreal nightmare that you keep thinking is going to end when you wake up. Then you wonder about your sanity when you read postings like bmsbms29's (thanking Bush for his service to our country). Uuuggggghhhhhhhh! Of course, this posting was probably actually paid for and sponsered by the Republican National Committee since the vast majority of Americans seem to have been startled awake from a deep sleep concerning George Bush's phony public relations (i.e. on how he is a competent and strong leader). And we all know that there is NOTHING that is morally beneath the strategies of Karl Rove and friends. You must at least admire the ability of the Republican PR machine to concoct and maintain a false advertising campaign, even if you want to mutilate the actual people involved.

[imprisonbush]

For me, based upon what I have learned and regretted during the Bush Adminstration, the most important qualities of a candidate this election are: (1) an ability to read, think and speak; (2) a willingness to understand and follow the law; (3) a curiousity about issues other than making war, profits for rich friends and eating; (4) demonstrated competence in important areas including choosing a well-qualified, ethical and moral running mate and cabinet appointments; (5) a plan to extricate this country from the many disasters created by Republican criminals during the last two Bush terms; (6) a willingness to investigate, prosecute, convict and hang all Republicans who have attempted to destroy this country for their own profit and profit of their rich friends. If the candidate possesses these qualities, I care not one bit whether s/he is likeable, cute or politically correct.

[katg21]

bmsbms29,

Oh, look out my friend, the liberal hounds are going to be after you for this one. The truth is a bit hard for them to swallow.

[katg21]

I want someone to vote for that has some answers.
Posted by bill1fj

Not likely to happen. Today's politicians, Democrat or Republican, know what giving the wrong answers would do. All they can do is spin and hope that people buy into it.

[omega39-2009]

I'm not sure that Bush is quilified to flip burgers or pancakes. Next thing ya know he would start a War against the Waffle House and Burger King. Posted by stick130

Stick, thanks for the first laugh of the day, I can see it already, "The "king" has WMDs and he could launch them at McDonalds in 45 minutes"..."The "king" was seen at Kroger buying yellow cake"...."The "King" is a bad man and the restaurant will be better off without him"..."We're liberating the workers and customers of the king"

[anopinion1]

Posted by bmsbms29 at 06:23 PM : Apr 01, 2007

what have you been smoking dude????
must be some really good stuff because president doushe bag is by far the worste president we have ever had. He dosen't care about the average citizen, him and his chrones only care about money and making the richest people in the US even richer.

[anopinion1]

bmsbms29

search for "bushism" on any search engine and look at one of the top web sites.
you will find quotes that bush has made along with video clips for most.
After reading over 100 some quotes tell me you are proud that he is leading this country. He has no common sense. I hope people have learned never to vote for someone because of the good family name they have.

[californiar]

You know what likeability is? It's what sociopaths posses. Sound crazy? Google "sociopath" You'll see Bush displays all of the characteristics. He's only been protected by his family. Don't believe me? Look at it for yourself.

[katg21]

I blame all the News Journalist for not investigating Bush. I use to believe what I heard them report was the facts. Never again!
Posted by stick130 at 01:13 AM : Apr 02, 200

What do you blame them for, not being able to find anything on him? Why is it so hard for you to believe anything, unless it's bad, about Bush? It is people like you with your hateful words about our country and President that cause other nations to dislike us. Your collective stupidity is what is destroying this great nation of ours. You don't deserve the protection of our men and women fighting for the cause. You don't deserve to call yourself an American...MOVE TO CANADA OR FRANCE YOU TRAITOR!!!

[sely2]

This is what I%u2019m hearing: Now you Journalists out there, pay attention!

I blame all the News Journalist for not investigating Bush. I use to believe what I heard them report was the facts.
Posted by stick130 at 01:13 AM: Apr 02, 2007


I'm not sure we the public even have a fair chance to determine who is most qualified or has the best leadership abilities in a national election anymore
Posted by fredgrad2000 at 07:12 PM: Apr 01, 2007

Reporting on ability and the issues is a media duty. At least, it used to be.
Posted by sesanders1 at 01:41 PM: Apr 01, 2007

I want someone to vote for that has some answers.
What would he/she do about the mess in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the mideast? Not what they dislike about Bush's plan but what would they do?
Seems like everyone running is bashing others but not saying what they would do.
How about some answers?
Posted by bill1fj at 05:02 PM : Apr 01, 2007

I agree with all of the above. The problem is the journalists wanting to keep their jobs, instead of protecting the public right to know the truth. We want answers not all the hoopla of who%u2019s got more money, who%u2019s the most popular. Who has the answers and what are they planning to do, that is what we want to hear. Let me compare whom I agree with and whom I don%u2019t by giving me that information. Otherwise articles like this, for me are a waste of time.

[sjw1253]

To: katg21

You clearly are in love with Georgie Boy...

Now... when all of the Republicans spent 8 years in hate of Bill and so many of our legislative resources for a consentual affair ... I guess that was okay as "He deserved it?"

Get real!!! Just because people recognize the incompetence and incompetence of our current President - does not make them treasonous or any other anti-USA - term you would like to use as a label...

MHO

[sjw1253]

I meant incompetence and "IGNORANCE"... but ... I guess we could double the INCOMPETENCE... (and it would still be understated)...

[katg21]

To: katg21

You clearly are in love with Georgie Boy...

Now... when all of the Republicans spent 8 years in hate of Bill and so many of our legislative resources for a consentual affair ... I guess that was okay as "He deserved it?"


Yes, I respect our President and the office and until his term is up I will support Bush's decisions as they relate to the security of our nation. Democrat or Republican, whomever should win the next Presidency, will receive the same respect from me. That's what makes me a Great American.

Clinton disrespected the office for which he held, he deserved to be impeached. He lied under oath and straight into the camera to you and me. He received sexual favors as he sat at the desk of the President. You or I would be arrested for much less. He does not deserve respect.

[knyghtwolf]

Well, katg21, why bother moving to Canada or France, if it (bush) has its way, our armed forces will be invading those countries as well. You don't get it, do you? The so-called "man" lied from DAY 1, and has not stopped since. The facts of his lies and the proof of his lies are there, in plain sight, get it through your head, it thinks we work for it, when it should be the other way around. If you or anyone else like you wishs to test this theory, go to work, cause your employer to spend more money, steal from all his or her's accounts, tell them that YOU are the DECIDER, storm around and demand that you show up whenever you want, threaten him or her with force, military or otherwise, and see where YOU wind up spending the next couple of decades. The idiot (bush) needs to just quit, go back to Crawford, because it has committed CRIMINAL OFFENCES, both nationaly and internationally. What are YOU going to do if the United Nations decides to bring it up on charges in a world court, along with d i c k (less) chain brain and the rest of the administration? What we have here is the EXACT same scenario of cause & effect that the DECIDER invaded Iraq, and you call people tratiors? Get a grip, get a clue, & grow up & see our great country is now pretty much up for grabs, when the problems fracturing the world now, come home to roost on OUR doorstep, we will be in for a ride like no other American has ever seen before. We have not yet suffered as other countries do, our turn is coming soon.

[katg21]

The idiot (bush) needs to just quit, go back to Crawford, because it has committed CRIMINAL OFFENCES, both nationaly and internationally. What are YOU going to do if the United Nations decides to bring it up on charges in a world court, along with d i c k (less) chain brain and the rest of the administration?
Posted by knyghtwolf at 06:08 AM : Apr 03, 2007

IF the UN brings Bush and Cheney up on charges then your point is valid, isn't it? IF it happens I'll eat my words.

[knyghtwolf]

katg21, how much proof do you need? How many more young Americans are going to have to be sacrificed to the endless appetite of the bush war machine? I have yet to see any proof of bush NOT doing anything wrong, I met the man when I was going to college in Texas when it was firing up its campaign to the presidency, it was an idiot then, and even bigger one now. It is virtually Howdy Doody in real life. Respect of the presidency is ONE thing, respecting who is in that position is another. bush has proven that it is not worthy of holding any sort of a political office short of dog warden in Big Spring, Texas. At what price do we all have to pay to continue sacrificing OUR sons & daughters to this megla-maniac? The guy lies like a cheap rug from Wal-Mart. I get the sneaky feeling you LIKE fake supporting bush here on these posts just to get rise out of people and thats too bad because IF thats all your life is worth to you in entertainment, I truly feel sorry for you and you do have my sympathies, but there is therapy for you available if you just pick up that telephone and call someone whom can help.

[katg21]

knyghtwolf,

This is the last time I am going to respond because quite frankly it's getting old. The plain and simple fact of war is that there are going to be casualties. Has there ever been a war with no blood shed? My brother-in-law is with the army national guard and has been deployed now for 2 years, believe me I understand, first hand, the nature of this war. He signed up to fight for his country and is very proud to be doing so. So you go on and continue bashing me, our country and our President. While doing so you can be assured that along with my brother, many other proud americans are fighting for your right to do so. The ONLY reason I read these posts and respond is because the hatred and disrespect is maddening. I simply can't contain myself. The discussions should never be one sided, we all have our opinions and should be able to voice them. Good day.