Who Cares About Likeability?
Mo Rocca Wonders If The Way We Chose Our Presidents Makes Sense
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Photo
During a stop in Iowa in 1999, Texas Gov. George W. Bush demonstrates a skill that might not come in all that handy at the White House, but which some voters like to see in their candidates. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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Who's Who
2008 Democratic Hopefuls
Clinton, Obama and Edwards lead the chase for the Democratic nomination.
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Who's Who
2008 Republican Hopefuls
McCain and Giuliani head up the Republican pack chasing the presidency.
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.
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Reporting on ability and the issues is a media duty. At least, it used to be.
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?
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.
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!!!!
"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
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.
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.
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"
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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
I meant incompetence and "IGNORANCE"... but ... I guess we could double the INCOMPETENCE... (and it would still be understated)...
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.
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.
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by katg21
April 4, 2007 1:19 AM PDT
- knyghtwolf,
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Reply to this comment
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See all 32 CommentsThis 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.