dlish

Beauty in politics.

does it really affect the way people vote?

are policies the criterion or is visual appearances more important? we've all seen how ballots are swayed when a good looking politician comes onto the scene. the latest example being Palin. it happens in all countries and is not specific to any nation.

sure, Palin is a bad looking woman. not my type, but she is attractive and i can see how people can be attracted to her looks. but should we be voting and basing our vote on the way we visually feel about someone who may be the future president of the USA? Ive heard her being referred to as a MILF and other such names, so her popularity is riding on her looks.

would you vote for her based on her looks? or politics? would you vote for those same policies if she was a bat-ugly hag?

obviously being an aussie, i cant vote in the US elections, but i personally would never vote for anyone would i thought did not have the political and economic capabilities to run my nation, regardless of how they looked.

__________________
An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere

I always sign my facebook comments with ()()===========(}. Does that make me gay?
- Filthy

Glory's Sun

Some people will be drawn to her because of her looks and people want to associate with that instead of what she's really all about. It's a natural reaction. I think one poll showed that she was more popular with men than with women.. this could be a response to the beauty question.

However, look at Hillary Clinton.. she's hideous, but I'd vote for her because of her policies compared to Palin or McCain. In fact, I think the Dem's nominated the wrong person, a Clinton Obama ticket would have been nice..but an Obama Clinton ticket not as nice..but that's perhaps a different thread.

Back to the OP, people always have funny reasons for voting. One of the problems with the vote itself is people don't pay attention to who or what they are voting for. They vote for a party simply because they align with that party or they vote for someone because that person holds a similar religious belief or they vote because that person is a certain race or gender.. so yeah beauty could be lumped into the same thing.

For me, I like to look at all the stances and the records and decide for myself who I think would make the best choice, not only for me but for my children as well.

jewels

People vote for all kinds of crazy reasons, but I guess that's what the USA is about.

Some vote because of their perception of the candidate's personality or a sound byte they've heard, some vote based on gender, race or ethnicity and some vote based on party alone. We all rationalize our tendencies one way or another.

And then there are those who feel their method of choice is righteous ...

__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

girldetective

I hear that beauty affects the way some people vote. I understand the social value of looking good, but I vote on politics, history, record, and so forth. If I dont know enough about candidates in a particular race, then I leave my ballot blank there, I dont vote in that arena (such as some local judiciary). When I asked tpop what he thought about McCain's pick, the first thing out of his mouth was that she was good looking. I didnt tell him, but I lost respect for him and wondered if he had a brain.

Zapatista Bella Abzug!

__________________
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons...be cheerful; strive for happiness - Desiderata

Locobot

here are some pictures of my u.s. rep. I'll be voting to reelect based on her...um...policies. Well, I actually do support her politics in general but it doesn't hurt that she's kind of a fox.

Glory's Sun

so do policies trump looks for you?? if she wasn't such a fox would it matter?

SSJTWIZTA

do i personally care about looks? no. but sadly, jewels summed it up...people vote for all sorts of nutty reasons.

__________________
First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for me And there was no one left to speak out for me.
-Pastor Martin Niemoller

Locobot

Yeah, I think that's exactly what I said in my OP.

Glory's Sun

actually no.. you said it didn't hurt she was a fox.. which could mean all sorts of things. anyway...

Willravel

Barack Obama does have a friendlier appearance than John McCain, and Palin has looks over Biden. I'd be really disappointed in someone that voted based on looks, though.

ratbastid

Let's face it: this thing is a popularity contest held on national television. It's like the Miss America pageant, but the winner gets to control nuclear missles. Being telegenic is a critical part of being elected President, and has been ever since Nixon sweated through a debate with JFK on national TV.

Glory's Sun

Up until this week I would have agreed with you.. now I think it's starting to actually shift towards policies.. especially on the economic front.

ratbastid

Well, that maybe true. Put America in enough pain and it might actually start to think about how to get out of it.

Randy

Yes, I believe that beauty plays a significant role in the outcome of elections. But I don't know what to say about its influence on 'politics'.

I can think of very few cases where a demonstrably less-attractive candidate defeated a much more attractive one.

Jinn

Beauty influences everything. The more attractive a person is, the more likely they are to be healthy, wealthy, and popular. The primary affect of beauty is not a conscious response, so I can say with relative certainty that even those who believe they aren't swayed by beauty are just not aware of its affect on them. It's been studied over and over and over again, beautiful people are even more likely to be helped in the street if they drop something.

It affects everyone, whether they're aware of it or not. I won't be voting for her because of her inexperience and her Presidential running-mate, because it's an intellectual decision. If this were a simple popularity contest which didn't address intellectual topics (politics), I'm almost certain that Palin would win.

__________________
"I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel

UKking

Regardless of politics and elections, people subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) favor attractive people. Simple as that. Imagine you don't care for Palin, for example. Now imagine she were the most repulsive crone you can imagine. It's a little worse now, yeah?

jorgelito

This is nothing new and not restricted to the USA. People have done this for millenia. It's not just beauty either, charisma and presence plays a large role. It's part of being human to be drawn to beauty etc.

We voted JFK, Harding, Reagan, on their looks and charisma. George Bush was so worried about his height compared to Kerry he demanded that his step be raised and that he and Kerry would be far apart at the televised debates so he wouldn't appear so short. So yes, looks are an important part of it. It seems there is an abundance of people voting for Obama based on his looks too. He is young, hip so many girls love him and will vote for him based on that. Also he is perceived to be black so many will vote on him looking black.

__________________
"The race is not always to the swift, nor battle to the strong, but
to the one that endures to the end."

"Demand more from yourself, more than anyone else could ever ask!"

- My recruiter

BadNick

Now I'm seeing that looks can also be good for foreign policy. Pakistan's president tells Palin she's 'gorgeous' - CNN.com

Pakistan's president tells Palin she's 'gorgeous'
From Peter Hamby and Wes Little
CNN
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Pakistan's new president called GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin "gorgeous" when the two met in New York on Wednesday.

Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin meets Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in New York on Wednesday.

Palin has been in New York meeting international leaders in town this week for United Nations meetings.

On entering a room filled with several Pakistani officials Wednesday, Palin was immediately greeted by Sherry Rehman, the country's information minister.

"And how does one keep looking that good when one is that busy?" Rehman asked Palin, drawing friendly laughter from the room.

"Oh, thank you," Palin said.

Pakistan's new president, Asif Ali Zardari, entered the room seconds later. Palin rose to shake his hand, saying she was "honored" to meet him.

Zardari then called her "gorgeous" and said: "Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you."

"You are so nice," Palin said, smiling. "Thank you."

From what little I see and hear, she's not my "type" but she's not unattractive, either. First time I heard her voice it grated me...I still don't like the sound of her voice. Since then, I've also been turned off my most of what she's saying.

dlish

i agree. its more of a popularity contest than anything else.

its like ameican idol. or some pop musician. usually the good looking ones end up winning or making the most sales

sadly this thing doesnt just happen in america. we had a politician lead the democrats a few years ago. she wasnt too bad looking, ..young..blonde..but not the greatest but definately attractive. since she left politics, the democrats have never fared so well

__________________
An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere

I always sign my facebook comments with ()()===========(}. Does that make me gay?
- Filthy

Poppinjay

I can't remember the last time we voted for an attractive president.

History has shown that the VP choice doesn't matter.

__________________
I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet

dlish

bill clinton wasnt a bad looking bloke. he was a favourite with the ladies. so was JFK. you cant say they didnt have some popularity because of their looks.

if McCain goes to meet St Peter, the then VP will matter.

__________________
An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere

I always sign my facebook comments with ()()===========(}. Does that make me gay?
- Filthy

ottopilot

Abe Lincoln was hot in a planet of the apes kind of way. And what about that Maggie Thatcher?

__________________
"It rubs the lotion on Buffy, Jodi and Mr. French's skin" - Uncle Bill from Buffalo

jewels

I never knew you went for the chiseled lean look.

__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

ottopilot

I suppose if a guy says another guy is hot... it tends to look suspect. However, being comfortable in my hetero ways, I'm not afraid to be "honest" about old "Abe". You have to admit Mr. Lincoln certainly had that Geico magnetism.

__________________
"It rubs the lotion on Buffy, Jodi and Mr. French's skin" - Uncle Bill from Buffalo

Martian

This thread demands more Diesel Sweeties:



When you let people make decisions for themselves, you have to accept as a consequences that some of the decisions they make will be stupid ones.

__________________
I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

UKking

But does this nicey-nice chit-chat transition to a direct benefit when trying to, for instance, broker an agreement with Pakistan to allow US forces to pursue objectives within their territory?
That remains to be seen....

jorgelito

JFK, Clinton, Harding to name a few. Obama will be the latest "hot guy" if he gets elected.

__________________
"The race is not always to the swift, nor battle to the strong, but
to the one that endures to the end."

"Demand more from yourself, more than anyone else could ever ask!"

- My recruiter

ottopilot

I think this is where McCain/Palin have their main advantage. McCain can "talk", but wouldn't hesitate to apply financial or military leverage when appropriate. I think Palin has these qualities as well.

I'm afraid Obama will want to "dialog" all the "nuances", then over-react when faced with actions that were promised not to happen... (ex: Iran saying they're not developing nuclear weapons while they really are, then using them). Then he'd get all LBJ on their asses and proliferate a larger conflict.

I have a feeling Palin would be more the type to smack them around, then give them a cookie with a glass of milk to help stop the shaking... only when appropriate, of course.

__________________
"It rubs the lotion on Buffy, Jodi and Mr. French's skin" - Uncle Bill from Buffalo

dc_dux

otto...it sounds like you prefer the "bullying" approach to diplomacy.

You can be tough and respectful of the process and your adversaries at the same time.

I dont believe MCain demonstrates that quality....when he doesnt get his way, he pouts, he drops f-bombs, he makes it personal and assaults the character of his adversaries, and, in the most extreme case, leaped across a table during a diplomatic discussion and physically attacked a member of a foreign delegation.

I'll talke the more thoughtful person with the more measured temperament over the loose cannon anytime.

Palin? She would get chewed up and spit out, or at the very least, completely marginalized, in a matter of minutes on any stage with world contemporaries.
-----Added 26/9/2008 at 12 : 05 : 52-----
Since this is about beauty.....temperament is a beautiful trait in a person.

One candidate has it...one doesnt.

__________________
"The perfect is the enemy of the good."
~ Voltaire

Poppinjay

Harding?


Huh.

I guess I'd have to leave it to het women to decide if Clinton is attractive. He was on the chubby side, has rosecea, and just basically looks like a bubba. Chelsea however, rowr!

Lincoln was told at a campaign appearance that he was ugly. He told the woman he couldn't help what he looked like. She replied, "I know, but you might stay inside more."

__________________
I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet

jewels

Isn't beauty subjective anyway? I never found Clinton attractive. JFK was handsome, but not my type. Now Mr. Kissinger wasn't your typical male stud, but I thought he was really sexy.

__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

dc_dux

Obama is the 'most "eloquent' member of Congress and a "show horse" and a "hunk"....McCain is a "friend to lobbyists"

Washingtonian's Best & Worst of Congress

I should renew my subscription to the Washingtonian.

__________________
"The perfect is the enemy of the good."
~ Voltaire

UKking

Boy, I don't think we could be much more opposite in opinion on that one.

ottopilot

Now dc... I believe I mentioned "when appropriate" at least twice. Am I going to have to send Sara after you with some cookies mister?

No... I prefer the walk softly and carry a big stick that I intend to use if you break the deal. Remember, others carry sticks as well and we should also try not break our deals. Sticks can be made of money, cooperation, alliances, military force and more. The best thing to do is always make the right deals first.

If you always deal in gray, what are you prepared to do when it turns black or white. I prefer pragmatic, fair, and decisive. I believe (like Carter) Obama will too often churn in the gray until it's too late to be effective. He can't vote "present" or wait to let congress contact him in times of crisis.


we all know what happened to Pastor Matthew Collins...

__________________
"It rubs the lotion on Buffy, Jodi and Mr. French's skin" - Uncle Bill from Buffalo

dc_dux

Did she serve the cookies and milk during her recent speed dating with foreign leaders? I want what they got!

__________________
"The perfect is the enemy of the good."
~ Voltaire

Glory's Sun

if you send Sarah after me I'd prefer a blowjob.. maybe I can change her conservative thinking?

actually, maybe that's her foreign policy plan.. we want cheap oil..she looks good..

ottopilot

See... we're all in much better humor now!

Cookies and milk, blow-jobs, what ever makes you guys happy.

However, I really don't know what to make of this...



dc, when you mention Palin's recent speed dating with foreign leaders, did that include extraterrestrials?

__________________
"It rubs the lotion on Buffy, Jodi and Mr. French's skin" - Uncle Bill from Buffalo

dlish

anything to shut her up and avoid hearing that voice?

__________________
An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere

I always sign my facebook comments with ()()===========(}. Does that make me gay?
- Filthy

jewels

Just for you, dlish. You know you love it.

__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

dlish

god nooooooo!!!!

she does have cool glasses though.. ive always loved a classy office woman in glasses and stockings

__________________
An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere

I always sign my facebook comments with ()()===========(}. Does that make me gay?
- Filthy