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Charisma is very important in a leadership role. The reason is, if people don't like you or trust you, or if you can't sway people to make a decision based on your words and actions, then you're not going to be an effective leader, period. Sure, you may be the smartest guy on earth... served two tours in 'Nam... whatever... but if people think you're a tool they're not going to put you into a leadership position. (I also think it's probably one of the most disrespectful things ever to try to use the fact that you were in 'Nam as a political selling point. Great, you served your country... as did millions of other Americans. Get over yourself.)
This is what's happening with Kerry, I believe. I think the polls would be a lot closer if it weren't for the fact that he just comes across as a stuffed shirt to me. He has no personality. As someone above said - look at all the great presidents... even dating back to Washington, Jefferson, etc... most of the really good ones were very charismatic.
And, if you want to look at it another way... we know that regimes like Hitler's were inherently BAD... and that Hitler was definately NOT a good person. People like David Koresh of the Branch Dividian fiasco in Waco all those years ago are clearly idiots with loose screws. So why do people accept and even praise the leadership of such people? You guessed it... they had CHARISMA. Hitler could get an entire city worked up and enthusiastic about anything, just with his speeches. Cult leaders brainwash and manipulate their followers into believing what they say is accurate. It's all a matter of how likable they appear to be to their followers or potential followers.
So yes, I'd say that while charisma shouldn't be THE deciding factor in an election... it surely does play a huge role in the election of any leader, on any scale... local or international.
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"The power of accurate observation is frequently called cynicism by those who don't have it." - George Bernard Shaw
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