The politics of personality

[cali]

How big a factor was it in the MA race, in your opinion? I think it was a significant factor. It often is. Brown appealed to voters. They liked him. 76% said they voted for him, not against Coakley. He attracted the bulk of independents. He campaigned like the energizer bunny and introduced himself to as many voters as possible.

Coakley was aloof and absent. She vocally derided pressing the flesh campaigning. She went on vacation. She was running for a seat that was held by someone with a larger than life personality and a deep reservoir of warmth.

I'm not suggesting this was the only factor- it was one of many, but it was a significant one.

[paulsby]

1. i definitely agree

fwiw, i think it was a big factor in favor of obama, clinton, and bush fwiw.

all of them fit into that "i'd have a beer with him" thang.

obama, to his credit, took it farther and invited a rather interesting duo to actually HAVE a beer with him.

[zbdent]

2. He's got Dr. Laura's "Family Values" vote ...

[cali]

3. kick

this has been largely ignored and it goes beyond coakley running a lousy campaign.

[rucky]

4. It was the number one factor.

Her numbers started diving after the televised debate, if that tells you anything.