Is a candidate's physical appearance important to you?

Question

Unfortunately, when it comes to politics, looks DO matter. In fact, it is believed that one reason why JFK defeated Nixon in 1960 is because he was physically more attractive. Does a candidate's physical appearance really matter to you? If so, why? How is an attractive physical appearance in any way indicative of a candidate's competence or readiness to lead?

Answer 1

No. Obviously being presentable indicates dignity.  I am generalizing a bit but i think all serious candidates attempt to exude dignity before they are candidates because of the nature of their work.  A person's physical appearance can indicate a lot about them, but physical appearances can be easily affected and morphed to appear pleasing.  Anyone with a brain knows that you can't judge a book by it's cover.  So no, it doesn't indicate their competence especially when they have a large team of people meticulously thinking about how to portray their personality and another team for making them pretty.  It's not real.

It is extremely shallow to put your faith in a candidate because of their physical appearance.  I think that the televised debate you referred to had that outcome because people were way more naive to the influence media portrayal can have.  These days everyone knows what is done with make-up and lights.  We are a lot more realistic about it, i think.

Answer 2

not really.  but i do think that how person takes care of themselves says something about them.  i am more interested to see how someone makes what god gave them work.

Answer 3

Well, if they looked like Keria Knightely or Ziyi Zhang it would help.  I would rather the candidate look like Quasimodo and be able to do the job than be pretty and incompetent.  Believe it or not I work with a woman who thinks Bush is attractive.  Unfortunately, the reality is that we place high importance on looks.  Of course, now s*x and race are the issue.  I really believe the only reason McCain chose Palin is because she is woman and to detract from the fact that Obama is a black man.  Palin is being used.  Also, McCain must believe that Palin will bring in Hillary voters.  I just hope people see through this ploy.

DRAGON 2008

"I BELIEVE IN U.S."

Answer 4

Looks matter. And voice. The latter is where Hillary fell short, but she worked on it and improved her voice as time went on. The latter is where Reagan overwhelmed the field in his day. I'm encouraged that Palin has a small and somewhat squeaky voice, as I do not favor McCain. But I have the feeling that the male vote might swing her way simply because she's got a slim figure and elegant style. That coiffeur sticks up like a headdress and imparts a kind of visceral reaction that she's a Queen (only royalty wear a headdress).  

Unfortunately the Republican Party seems to have quite a number of these good looking charmers in the pipeline. Gov Pawlenty is another evangelical Christian who is good looking with a polished voice and manner and in the fast lane to the White House (with an actress wife). He nearly got the VP nomination we were led to believe.

I do respond to charisma and good looks, so I think others do as well. But I don't let it overwhelm my decision on election day.

Answer 5

Are you kidding me?

No it doesn't, I mean look at how many ugly leaders we have today.

There are probably are some instances were looks may matter, but for the most part, it doesn't.