Just yesterday, for example, Time magazine's Washington bureau chief Jay Carney noted that on his video announcement of his presidential bid Thompson "sure looks like a president (at least, he could play one on TV)."
Similarly, CNN chief national correspondent John King said yesterday that his presidential look is part of Thompson's appeal. King went on:
Don't undervalue the idea of looking the part, if you will. Fred Thompson is known for his roles on TV and in Hollywood in the movies. He now wants to look the part of the president and appeal to a conservative Republican base….
We could be wrong, but isn't there a tiny bit of difference between "looking presidential" and actually having the skills, knowledge and temperament to be an effective president?
3 comments:
In my poly-sci class, we discussed all of the "asthetics" involved in politics. Its actually quite interesting. You really have to pay attention to what candidtes say, instead of how they look.
The media doesn't help, what with all their shallowness.
You also have to pay attention to where their money is coming from. Good post.
Thanks. We appreciate your note.
...isn't there a tiny bit of difference between "looking presidential" and actually having the skills, knowledge and temperament to be an effective president?
Of course there is. But if any of the people you cited said that Thompson does lack those, you didn't cite that part.
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